Staff Reports
Kevin Costner’s latest project, Yellowstone to Yosemite, is a captivating three-part docuseries that takes viewers on a journey through the history, beauty, and challenges of Yosemite National Park. Premiering on February 8, 2025, on Fox Nation, the series retraces the historic 1903 camping trip between President Theodore Roosevelt and naturalist John Muir—a pivotal moment in America’s conservation movement. Through stunning cinematography and thoughtful storytelling, Costner brings to life the legacy of two visionaries who laid the groundwork for the National Park System.
The documentary delves into Roosevelt and Muir’s three-day trek across Yosemite’s majestic landscapes, from Mariposa Grove to Glacier Point. Their campfire conversations about the need to protect America’s wilderness inspired Roosevelt to take bold legislative action. During his presidency, Roosevelt established five national parks, and 150 national forests, and protected over 230 million acres of land. Costner highlights this moment as a turning point in American history, emphasizing how two men in the wilderness accomplished more for conservation than modern politicians often do within the walls of Congress.
What sets Yellowstone to Yosemite apart is its commitment to telling a more comprehensive story. Costner doesn’t shy away from addressing the darker aspects of Yosemite’s history, including the displacement and injustices faced by Native American tribes who lived on these lands long before they became protected parks. By weaving together stories of Indigenous heritage, ecological challenges, and modern conservation efforts, the series offers a nuanced perspective that goes beyond mere nostalgia for natural beauty.
Costner also draws parallels between past and present, connecting Roosevelt’s conservation efforts to today’s environmental challenges. The docuseries explores issues like climate change, invasive species, and over-tourism that threaten Yosemite’s delicate ecosystems. Costner frames these struggles as part of a larger narrative about America’s responsibility to preserve its natural treasures for future generations. His sincere tone underscores the urgency of balancing preservation with progress in an era of rampant materialism and resource exploitation.
Ultimately, Yellowstone to Yosemite is more than just a nature documentary—it’s a call to action. Through breathtaking visuals and compelling storytelling, Costner reminds viewers of the enduring power of America’s wilderness and the importance of protecting it. By blending patriotism with conservation and honoring both historical figures and Indigenous voices, Costner delivers a message that transcends political divides: safeguarding our natural heritage is not just an environmental issue but a deeply American one.
