What makes Yosemite so special?

The landscape of Yosemite National Park is a product of its unique geology, resulting from glacial erosion of the underlying granite. Iconic landforms such as Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, Half Dome, and Cathedral Peak are known throughout the world.



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One of California's most formidable natural landscapes, Yosemite National Park features nearly 1,200 square miles of sheer awe: towering waterfalls, millennia-old sequoia trees, striking, daunting cliff faces and some of the most unique rock formations in the United States.

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You might already know this, but it's official; Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It ranked #2 on MSN's Ranked: the world's most stunning national parks!

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If you're looking for massive cascades that leave you speechless, Yosemite wins the prize. If you're not too fussed about height but you still want to enjoy the serenity of the water (with the added bonus of being able to see falls no matter what time you visit), go with Yellowstone.

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Half Dome is THE iconic landmark of Yosemite that all first-timers need to see. There are many ways to experience it with views from many points towards the eastern end of Yosemite Valley, such as Sentinel Bridge (with accompanying reflections provided by the Merced River), and the Ahwahnee Meadow and Stoneman Meadows.

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The short answer is absolutely! Of all the places we have been in the world, there are few that rival the natural beauty of Yosemite. It is with good reason that the park is world famous.

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Known for its plunging waterfalls, giant sequoia trees, sheer granite cliffs, and more, you could easily spend weeks exploring Yosemite National Park. The park has a distinct appeal no matter what time of year.

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Yosemite National Park offers a range of swimming opportunities—from rivers and lakes to our family-friendly pools, which are the only swimming places in Yosemite with lifeguards. River and lake swimming is at-your-own-risk. Life jackets are strongly recommended—especially for children.

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The name Yosemite is simply a corruption of the term which the southern Miwoks applied to any species of bear and particularly to the grizzly,2 and was given to the valley, as we shall see, because the white people who first came in contact with its native inhabitants called them Yosemites.

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Tunnel View provides one of the most famous views of Yosemite Valley. From here you can see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall rising from Yosemite Valley, with Half Dome in the background. This viewpoint is at the east end of the Wawona Tunnel along the Wawona Road (Highway 41).

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Natural lightscapes, including dark night skies, are a scenic resource integral to many people's Yosemite experience.

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Visitors will usually find more to do in Yosemite National Park than Grand Canyon National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Grand Canyon National Park is well known for its iconic beauty, layers of color, breathtaking sunsets, and world-renowned geological history.

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