Yosemite Valley

A glacial valley framed by granite giants like El Capitan and Half Dome and tall waterfalls.

The Merced River runs through the valley, and many streams and waterfalls tumble in from the cliffs above. Yosemite Valley covers only about one percent of the park, yet it is where most visitors arrive and stay, especially in the busy summer months. It is regarded as the centrepiece of the whole national park and is known for its dramatic natural scenery.

What shaped the valley?

The valley sits on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, about 240 kilometres east of San Francisco. It is a glacial valley, which means ice carved it into its deep U shape. The granite walls rise roughly 910 to 1,070 metres above the flat valley floor, which is about 1,200 metres above sea level.

More than half a dozen creeks drop from hanging valleys at the top of the cliffs and join to form the Merced River, which flows out the west end.

What are the waterfalls?

Yosemite Falls is listed as the highest waterfall in North America, and it is at its most powerful in spring, when the water flow peaks. Streams such as Tenaya, Illilouette and Bridalveil Creeks also pour into the valley.

The view that most visitors see first is Tunnel View, where El Capitan stands on the left. So many painters worked from a nearby spot that the park service named it Artist Point.

On the globe

The model shows the granite walls, waterfalls and the valley floor; find the big rounded dome and the flat-faced cliff.