Yosemite- 3- The World of Granite

The geology of Yosemite National Park is predominantly granite. Some of the world's most recognizable rock formations are found at Yosemite, and they sure don't disappoint. The enormous faces of sheer, solid granite are not just awe-inspiring, they give you a perspective of how dynamic our planet is. The subduction zone along the coast of California, where the Pacific plate meets the North American plate, causes much upheaval in the region. These forces were behind the formation of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and the action of glaciers and their subsequent melting gave rise to this landscape as we see it today.

In this picture, from the Tunnel View vista point, the popular El Capitan on the left, facing the Bridalveil Falls under Cathedral Rocks, further on the same side is the Sentinel Rock and Half Dome, under the clouds, and finally, Clouds Rest. A lot of these famous structures bring rock climbers from all over the world seeking the ultimate thrill of scaling yet another peak!

** Please click on the pictures to enlarge**

It is hard to not think of Ansel Adams and his stunning photographs of these renowned landscapes. As a tribute to him, this picture of Half Dome as seen from Glacier Point in black and white. 

Merced river, which swells during spring with all the snow melting, drops 594 feet at Nevada Falls, the taller of the two, and then 317 feet at Vernal Falls. There are hikes from the valley to both these falls, and they fall under the moderate category. 

The Royal Arches beneath two domes above them, the North Dome on the left and Basket Dome to the right, as seen from Glacier Point. Different faces of these rocks can be seen from the valley from very different angles. 

The Royal Arches as seen from Mirror Lake. 

Cathedral Rocks as seen from a meadow in the valley. Higher Cathedral Rock to the left and Middle Cathedral on the right. 

Another view of Cathedral Rock from near the chapel in the valley.

Sentinel rock as seen from Sentinel beach. The dainty Sentinel Falls on the right can be seen only in spring. 

From the valley, just east of El Capitan are the Three Brothers peaks. The Eagle peak, Middle brother and Lower brother make up this formation, and are another landmark of the region.

Looking up at another towering granite face, I end this post.