Early Tourism

After leading the first tourist party into Yosemite Valley in 1855, entrepreneur James Hutchings promoted the Valley’s “Scenes of Wonder and Curiosity” in his own California Magazine. Not long after, a steadily increasing stream of visitors traveled to the Valley on foot, by horseback, and later by stagecoach. Makeshift hotels were often strained beyond capacity as news of Yosemite’s scenic wonders spread. Artist Thomas Ayres, who accompanied Hutchings on the first trip to Yosemite, drew some of the first sketches of the Valley. Hutchings later published these works in his magazine, giving the nation its first glimpse of Yosemite’s spectacular beauty. Ayres was the first of many artists inspired by the wonder and awe of Yosemite Falls.

Yosemite Valley, California · United States