When I encountered my first giant sequoia in the Mariposa Grove, my head did not tilt back far enough to see the top and walking around the trunk practically required a GPS. Leaving noise and civilization behind to walk among these ancient trees brought us to the famous Grizzly Giant, the grove’s elder statesman, which…

As you follow the hilly, curvy road that snakes through Yosemite National Park in California, every turn elicits another “wow” moment. It’s not easy to decide which view best demonstrates the appeal of the setting: dramatic overlooks, soaring mountains, rushing waterfalls, or other breathtaking examples of Mother Nature’s magnificent handiwork. Equally challenging is choosing among…