Yosemite Valley

A glacially modified valley in California’s Sierra Nevada, known for steep granite walls, waterfalls, and giant sequoia groves nearby.

Sierra Nevada: A mountain range in eastern California and western Nevada, formed largely from granitic rocks. Yosemite Valley lies within this range’s western slope.
El Capitan: A granite monolith on the north side of Yosemite Valley, rising about 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Its sheer face exemplifies the valley’s steep granite walls.
Sierra Nevada batholith: A vast body of granitic rocks formed by magma intrusions beneath ancient volcanic arcs in the Sierra Nevada. Its rocks supply much of the granite exposed in Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail: A hiking route that circles much of Yosemite Valley, using paved paths, roads, and unpaved trails. Its route connects major valley landmarks while following the valley floor.
Yosemite Grant Act: An 1864 United States law that granted Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove to California for public use and preservation. It placed the valley under public protection before the national park was created.
Granite: A coarse-grained igneous rock composed chiefly of quartz, feldspar, and mica or similar minerals. Its resistant granite forms the valley’s cliffs and domes.
Half Dome: A granite peak in Yosemite National Park whose distinctive rounded summit appears divided into a dome and a steep face. This landmark frames the eastern end of the valley.
Merced River canyon: The river-carved canyon system followed by the Merced River through Yosemite National Park. The river established a canyon that glaciers later enlarged into the valley.
Rock climbing in Yosemite: The practice of climbing Yosemite National Park’s granite cliffs, including El Capitan and Half Dome. The valley’s granite walls support some of the world’s best-known big-wall routes.
Yosemite National Park establishment: The creation of Yosemite National Park in 1890 through federal legislation. The park’s establishment expanded protection beyond the original state grant.

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