The Jewels of Yosemite Valley
The Grandeur of Towering Waterfalls and Granite Monoliths
Apr 16, 2009
Yosemite (yo-SEM-it-ee) National Park comprises as many acres as some small states and attracts 3.5 million visitors a year. The most popular section of the park is the glacier-carved seven square-mile Yosemite Valley, where visitors can gaze upon Half Dome and El Capitan, and two of the highest waterfalls in the world.
Half Dome is the Most Recognized Symbol of Yosemite
This granite icon rises nearly 5,000 feet above the valley floor and 8,800 feet above sea level. Despite its height, Half Dome was once totally covered by the same glacier that formed the U-shaped valley. The majestic dome that is seen from most parts of the valley was never a full dome, as many believe. Rather it holds the same shape now as it did millions of years ago when it withstood the cutting force of that glacier; the destructive ice could not get a “hold” on its massive, un-jointed face. Hikers are able to reach the summit of Half Dome in the summer once the National Park Service installs two metal cables on the curved back of the dome. For those wanting an up close look at Half Dome without the climb, look for a California state quarter issued in 2005.
El Capitan is a Favorite of Rock Climbers
El Capitan rises 3,000 feet above the valley floor and holds the distinction of being the largest granite monolith in the world. As such, its imposing rock face presents a challenge to expert climbers the world over. Summiting “El Cap” was considered beyond the capability of humans until 1958 when it was finally climbed by a team of three men. Today, good climbers can scale one of the many routes up El Capitan in about two to three days. Consequently, those climbers must sleep in specially designed rock hammocks that they secure in the cracks and fissures of the granite wall at night. So massive is the face of El Capitan that climbers appear the size of ants to onlookers with binoculars in the valley below.
Two of the Many Glorious Waterfalls in the Park
Plunging into the valley are two of the highest and most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Yosemite Falls is actually made up of three separate falls: Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet), the middle cascades (675 feet), and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet). A one-mile loop trail leads to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, and it is possible to reach the top of Yosemite Falls with a strenuous, all-day hike. The best time to see (and hear) this and other falls is from April through June during the thundering winter runoff. Across the valley is Bridalveil Fall (620 feet), so named because wind blows the falling water in delicate wisps like a bridal veil. This is often the first waterfall visitors see when entering Yosemite Valley. Both of these falls resulted when a smaller feeder glacier deepened its own valley slower than the main glacier deepened the main valley. Once the ice melted, these valleys were left “hanging” on the rim of the main valley. With nowhere else to go, water from their tributaries plunges over that rim into Yosemite Valley below.
Yosemite National Park is located about three and a half hours east of San Francisco. The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Visit the National Park’s Yosemite website for information on accommodations, hiking, and other activities.
 |
 |
