United States
Yosemite National Park
Welcome to California! Yosemite National Park is a spectacular valley of soaring granite cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and giant sequoia trees.
Why is it famous?
Its sheer granite cliffs, El Capitan and Half Dome, are two of the most famous rock formations on Earth.
It was one of the first places in the world protected simply for its natural beauty.
How was it formed?
Ancient glaciers carved the valley's steep walls over millions of years.
Rivers of ice ground away softer rock, leaving behind smooth granite domes and cliffs.
Amazing facts
El Capitan rises about 3,000 feet straight up from the valley floor.
Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America.
Quick facts
- El Capitan rises about 3,000 feet straight up from the valley floor.
- Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America.
- The park covers nearly 1,200 square miles of mountains and forest.
- Some giant sequoia trees in the park are over 2,000 years old.