P.O. Box 578
Yosemite National Park
California 95389

Lodging Reservations:
(559) 253-5635
Camping Reservations:
(800) 436-7275

Park Home

Yosemite National Park is open year-round to the public.

History

Yosemite

History of Yosemite Valley

For 500 million years, the geological history of Yosemite has been evolving from an ocean floor to gentle, rolling hills to the formation of the steep Sierra Nevada mountain range with deep river canyons. Three million years ago, the Ice Age brought glaciers that scraped and carved the valleys and canyons with such force that the remaining granite still shows the direction of glacial movement. When the last glacier finally melted 10,000 years ago, rock debris dammed the valley and created Lake Yosemite. Tributary creeks plummeted off sheer cliffs and gave birth to the Park's famed waterfalls. Sediment continued to fill the lake until it eventually formed the present valley floor.
Yosemite's geological evolution continues today as Mirror Lake slowly fills with sediment as Lake Yosemite did. In 1996, the Happy Isles rockslide sent 80,000 tons of rock to the valley floor at 160 mph – proof that powerful forces are still at work. From every vantage point in Yosemite, there are breathtaking mountains, waterfalls, meadows and forests. Galen Clark, known as the "Guardian of Yosemite" for 20 years, proclaimed it "this grandest of all God's temples."

YOSEMITE MOUNTAINS & ROCK FORMATIONS

Yosemite Valley, which is about 3,000 feet deep and less than two miles wide, is known for its incredible rock formations that were created from plutonic rock that cooled far below the earth’s surface. Some of the most famous formations are:

• Half Dome (8,842 ft.) among the most recognized natural features in Yosemite, its western face is a sheer cliff of Plutonic granite - the youngest in Yosemite.
• Sentinel Rock (7,038 ft.) on the south side of Yosemite Valley, named for its likeness to a watchtower.
• El Capitan (7,569 ft.) towering 3,593 ft. from the valley floor, rock climbers from around the world come to challenge their abilities on its granite face giving visitors an excellent opportunity to view this unique sport.
• Mt. Lyell (13,114 ft.) the tallest peak in the park, its steep slopes are home to the largest active glacier in Yosemite, the Lyell Glacier, which is about 1/4-mile-square.
• Mt. Dana (13,053 ft.) and Mt. Gibbs (12,764 ft.) flanking Tioga Pass in Tuolumne Meadows.
• Matterhorn Peak (12,264 ft.) is one of a series of peaks that make up the spectacular Sawtooth Ridge on the northeastern border of the park.
  Glacier Point providing an eagle's view of the valley floor 3,214 feet below from this perch on the rim of Yosemite Valley.

YOSEMITE WATERFALLS

Waterfalls are a Yosemite hallmark, drawing visitors from around the globe year after year. In addition to those below, numerous other falls can be seen during the spring run-off or after a heavy rainstorm.

• Yosemite Falls (Upper, 1,430 ft.; Middle, 675 ft.; Lower, 320 ft.) is the tallest in North America and fifth highest in the world with a total drop of 2,425 feet.
• Bridalveil Fall (620 ft.) called "Pohono" or "spirit of the puffing wind" by the Ahwahneechee Indians. The wind often blows the falls sideways giving it the appearance of a "bride's veil".
• Ribbon Fall (1,612 ft.), which flows off a cliff on the west side of El Capitan, is the tallest single fall in North America.
• Illilouette Fall (370 ft.) is visible from below on the John Muir Trail. From Glacier Point, there's a more spectacular view of its brink and stony gorge.
• Vernal Fall (317 ft.) and Nevada Fall (594 ft.) are visible from the Mist Trail and reward hikers with a refreshing, rainbow-filled shower on hot spring days.

Yosemite Fauna (Animals)

In addition to its breathtaking scenery, Yosemite is home to a great and diverse wildlife population. Some formerly endangered or eradicated species like the peregrine falcon, golden eagle and bighorn sheep are once again flourishing under the watchful eye of the National Park Service. With a keen eye, you may be lucky enough to spot some of these beautiful creatures.

Yosemite Flora (Plants & Flowers)

Yosemite's diverse landscape shelters 37 species of native trees and hundreds of species of native wildflowers, many of which can be found only in Yosemite. Some of the most abundant include:
Giant Sequoias - considered to be the largest living thing on earth, sequoias can live from 1,000 - 3,000 years. Three groves totaling 700 trees are located in the park: Mariposa Grove, Tuolumne Grove and Merced Grove.

Protect the Resource

As far back as the mid-1800's, Yosemite was formally recognized as a place so special that it should be uniquely protected for the enjoyment and use of future visitors. Not only is Yosemite a National Park, it has been designated as a World Heritage Site because of its outstanding universal value.

There are many ways that guests can participate in this effort to keep Yosemite beautiful. With 3.5 million visitors to Yosemite each year, recycling and water conservation are absolute necessities. Visitors are strongly encouraged to participate in our recycling program to protect this wonderful site for generations to come.