Yosemite National Park, in east-central California, is one of the premier members of the United States’ national park system. It is a wonderful example of the effects of glaciation on the landscape. Yosemite Valley, considered one of the most beautiful places on our planet, was carved by glaciers during the last ice age.

     Most of the sights within the park are accessible from park roads in the valley. They include El Capitan, a giant slab of rock rising abruptly from the valley floor.

El Capitan

    Another sheer cliff, visible from just about anywhere in the valley, is Half-Dome.

Half-Dome

     There are two spectacular waterfalls in the valley, bridal veil falls

Bridal Veil Falls

 and Yosemite Falls, tallest in the park and America’s tallest.

Upper & Lower Yosemite Falls

     The entire valley can be seen from one of the park’s favorite viewpoints, known as Valley View.

Valley View

    Another fabulous observation spot is Washburn Point.

Washburn Point

    Two additional waterfalls can be seen in this view. One is called Nevada Falls

Nevada Falls

 and the other is Vernal Falls.

Vernal Falls