Mountains & Landscapes

Prehistoric glaciers that once washed down over the mountains and cliffs have formed unusual U-shaped valleys and left behind granite rock formations for you to marvel at, such as Half Dome and El Capitan in the Yosemite Valley.

Above: Project Yosemite is a timelapse video project set in Yosemite National Park and shot by Colin Delehanty and Sheldon Neill.

Tioga Road going over Tioga Pass in Yosemite National Park

Although just about every bend in Tioga Road reveals another awesome view, here are three stops you won't want to miss on the eastern section at Tioga Pass.

Yosemite Tunnel View with Bridal Falls and El Capitan

Yosemite's Tunnel View with Half Dome, Valley View with Merced River, Glacier Point, Olmsted Point, and Tenya Lake are the most famous views in the park.

Yosemite's granite domes from Tunnel View including Half Dome and El Capitan

Toward the end of Earth's last ice age, huge glaciers moved down from the Sierra Nevada high country carrying debris that scoured and polished Yosemite's granite rocks to a smooth surface.

Yosemite sunset from Glacier Point's View Terrace.

Arguably the most spectacular view in the park is at the end of Glacier Point Road with the curved tooth of Half Dome prominently in the foreground.

View of the Half Dome from Glacier Point in Yosemite

Yosemite’s cliffs, domes, and valleys are products of powerful forces. Watch a video about the past and 2 remaining Sierra glaciers, Maclure and Lyell.

The soundscape of Yosemite is just as important of a natural resource to the park as its mountain peaks and rushing waterfalls.

Signs of Yosemite’s glacial past are everywhere. Follow these tips on what to look for and where to find them.

Rockfall at Yosemite Falls Lower Falls. Photo by James Sumner [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

To get a good look at evidence of rockfall in any season, just follow the easy walking trails that lead right up to base of the valley's famous waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall.

Snow Plants. Photo by Bill Bouton from San Luis Obispo, CA

In early Spring, Snow Plants pop their bright scarlet heads up through the snow. "It looks like a neon red psychedelic asparagus."

Upper Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park

You don’t have to visit to Yosemite to see the majestic sight of water tumbling down Yosemite Falls, to visit the top of North Dome or hear its rangers speak.