While some travel sights in the world evoke emotion, others truly inspire awe. These are the grandest places on the planet and often leave visitors speechless. They are difficult to describe because words seem inadequate. In this series, I will explore those sights that I have found to be the most awe-inspiring. I’m sure everyone has their own personal list of these sights, but these are “my very best.”

          John Muir, noted American Naturalist, loved this place and helped to save it from development. Ansel Adams, a world-famous photographer, ingrained pictures of this gorgeous valley in our consciousness. Visitors to the pristine area are amazed by its beauty. As the second of America’s national parks, it will be preserved forever for future generations to enjoy.

            The classic view of the area can be seen at Valley View Overlook where many of the park icons can be captured together.                       

Valley View

        The most recognizable attractions in the park include El Capitan, a huge steep-faced granite monolith.                    

El Capitan

          Half Dome is a perfect example of glacial geology; it was a dome-shaped rock which was severed by the action of a glacier.                       

Half Dome

        Yosemite Falls is the tallest in the United States and one of the highest in the world.                      

Yosemite Falls

        Bridal Veil Falls sits on the opposite side of the valley from Yosemite Falls. As its name suggests, it is more wispy than its neighbor.                       

Bridal Veil Falls