Yosemite National Park celebrates its 123rd birthday today.
Sadly, because of the federal government shutdown, Yosemite and other National parks across the country are now closed to day visitors. Overnight campers will be tossed out over the next several days as well.
To pay tribute to Yosemite's special day in history, in spite of the bad news, we've rounded up some breathtaking photos that highlight the park's stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoia trees.
On Oct. 1, 1890, Congress set aside 1,500 square miles of California land to create Yosemite National Park.
AP PHOTO
By the early 20th century, Yosemite was a popular summer vacation spot.
AP Photo/Ernest Bennett
Even Navy men returning from World War II enjoyed the peace and beauty of their surroundings as they rested and recovered at a converted hospital located in the park.
AP Photo/Ernest King
"No temple made with human hands can compare with Yosemite," John Muir, the father the of conservation movement, famously wrote.
Muir wrote many magazine articles about the park's beauty that led to its creation. He helped draw up Yosemite's proposed boundaries in 1889.
Yosemite is located on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada range in eastern California.
AP Photo/Ben Margot
It covers an area roughly the size of Rhode Island.
It contains thousands of lakes and ponds.
AP Photo/John Pain
As well as 800 miles of hiking trails.
Each year, Yosemite receives about 4 million visitors.
AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty
One of the biggest draws is Half Dome, a granite rock formation that rises more than 4,700 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley.
AP Photo/Tracie Cone
El Captian, located on the north side of Yosemite Valley, is the largest exposed granite monolith in the world. It's a favorite challenge of rock climbers.
As much as 95 percent of the park's annual visitors come to see these historic landmarks, which has led to overcrowding.
AP Photo/Tracie Cone
Visitors can find less crowded, pristine areas by venturing off the park's extensive trail system to the backcountry.
AP Photo/John Pain
The park is known for its granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Seen here is Vernal Falls.
AP Photo/GosiaWozniacka
The park is also famous for its giant sequoia trees, which can live to be more than 3,000 years old.
Mule deer and other wildlife can be seen throughout the park.
Yosemite is the nation's third most visited National Park.
AP Photo/Kathy Matheson
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/18-stunning-pictures-of-yosemite-national-park-2013-10?op=1#ixzz2gaFuG4Gw
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