National Parks/Monuments

Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls

Posted on by AdventureDavid

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Yosemite Falls, in Yosemite National Park, is made up of three falls including Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet), the middle cascades (675 feet) and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet), for a total height of 2,425 feet, making the combination one of the world’s tallest.  The Falls can be seen from many places in Yosemite Valley and an all day hike leads to the top of the falls.  Yosemite Conservancy offers webcam views on their website.

Links:    Yosemite Waterfalls        Webcam

Scotty’s Castle

Posted on by AdventureDavid

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“Scotty’s Castle” (or Death Valley Ranch), is located in Grapevine Canyon in the far north of Death Valley National Park.  Construction, in the Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival architectural styles, began in 1922, and cost $1.5-$2.5 million.  It is named for Walter Scott, also known as “Death Valley Scotty”, who convinced a wealthy friend (Albert Johnson, a Chicago insurance magnate) to build the house.

Links:    NPS info      Detailed history