Yosemite National Park: Waterfalls, Peaks & History
“A shrine to granite cathedrals, thundering waterfalls, ancient sequoias, and the power of glaciers.”
Park Overview
Yosemite National Park spans about 759,620 acres in California’s Sierra Nevada, across Tuolumne, Mariposa, Mono, and Madera counties. Known for iconic landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome, the park includes deep valleys, vast wilderness, giant sequoia groves, and dramatic waterfalls—all sculpted by glacial activity over millions of years.
Established in 1890, Yosemite holds deep cultural history. Native peoples such as the Paiute and Miwok called this landscape home for millennia. Today, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and draws nearly 3.9 million visitors annually.
Fast Facts
| Location | California (Tuolumne, Mariposa, Mono & Madera) |
| Established | Oct 1, 1890 |
| Area | 759,620 acres (~1,188 sq mi) |
| Visitors (2023) | ≈ 3.9 million |
| Wilderness Area | ~95 % |
| Highest Peak | Mount Lyell (~13,114 ft) |
| Plant & Wildlife | 1,000+ plant species; 400+ vertebrate species |
What to See & Do
- Yosemite Valley Icons — Explore Yosemite Falls (2,425 ft), El Capitan, Half Dome & Bridalveil Fall.
- Hike Mist Trail to Vernal & Nevada Falls — Classic, challenging hikes with spectacular views.
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias — Walk among ancient giants, first protected areas in the park.
- Glacier Point & Tunnel View — Iconic viewpoints for photography and sunset vistas.
- Rock Climbing — Tackle big walls on El Capitan or explore granite domes in Tuolumne Meadows.
- Firefall at Horsetail Fall — Seasonal light phenomenon in February, with notable visitor interest.
Geology & Natural History
Yosemite's stunning cliffs and domes are carved from granite, uplifted and shaped by subduction and erosion over 100+ million years. Glacial activity during the last Ice Age sculpted the U-shaped valley and polished domes like Half Dome and El Capitan.
Wildlife & Wilderness
The park hosts over 1,000 plant species and more than 400 vertebrate species, from black bears to deer to migratory birds. Nearly 95% of Yosemite is designated wilderness, preserving its natural character and biodiversity.
Human History & Conservation
Evidence shows Native Americans lived here for 8,000–10,000 years. European Americans arrived in the early 1800s, but it was the advocacy of John Muir and a visit from President Theodore Roosevelt that led to Yosemite’s protection in 1890. In 1864—before park status—President Lincoln protected the Valley and Mariposa Grove under the Yosemite Grant, setting a national precedent.