Guide to Yosemite: A Handbook of the Trails and roads of Yosemite Valley and the Adjacent Region

San Francisco: Sunset Publishing House, 1920. First Edition. Paperback original. Very Good. [6.5x3.75in]; 98 pp., three maps - 'Aeroplane' view of Valley features, Yosemite Village and Valley roads, and fold out at rear of Yosemite Valley roads and trails to adjacent regions and contours; Brown pebbled paper wrappers of two staple/glue binding, with black ink lettering and illustration of Half Dome on front; Minor field and shelf wear to covers and maps, small tear at foot of back strip and along front joint (both repaired to limit further damage), minor soiling to covers, original glue stains along front hinge, some age toning to text, folding map in near fine condition with minor misfold edge crease. Ansel Franklin Hall (1894-1962) was a naturalist and the first Chief Naturalist and Forester of the United States National Park Service. From 1920 to 1923, Hall was the first Park Naturalist of Yosemite National Park. He established interpretive programs, founded the Yosemite Museum Association, produced geological models, native crafts and natural history specimens for display. This Guide to Yosemite is one of the first U.S. National Park Service guides for Yosemite. Hall created eight auto road tours and 25 trail guides of the valley and the adjacent areas. A number of the Yosemite Village buildings and facilities no longer exist and new ones have taken their place. However, the trails are still in use today.

From the National Park Service web site, Ansel Hall was a rare combination of romantic idealist and practical businessman. He was an instinctive teacher and had a deep feeling for youth as well as nature. He personally raised funds from private sources and built the museum in Yosemite National Park. His vision had plans ready for implementation when the "Alphabet Agencies" were formed during the Great Depression and park museums flourished. He developed the first museum association in Yosemite, the first of present day cooperating associations. His charm and persuasive skills brought private funds and public involvement to the parks and the San Francisco Bay Area regional parks.

The following year, Hall edited a Handbook of Yosemite National Park to provide an overview of the administration of the park, recreational activities and a science based review of the geology,animals and plants. Hall was also a mentor to a young Ansel Adams, just beginning his famous photographic career.