Over eons, rivers and glaciers somehow carved 3,000 feet into solid granite to create Yosemite Valley. The nuances of the Valley form spectacular rock formations, for which Yosemite Valley is famous.

Visitors all year can gaze up from the Valley floor to appreciate the enormity of it all. During summer (or for those willing to do an overnight ski trip in winter), the view from Glacier Point provides a perspective from above.

Half Dome is perhaps the most recognized symbol of Yosemite. Rising nearly 5,000 feet above the Valley floor, it is one of the most sought-after landmarks in Yosemite. Some people even hike or rock-climb to the top!

You can see Half Dome throughout much of eastern Yosemite Valley, including on the road between Yosemite Village and Yosemite Lodge and roads near Curry Village. Mirror Lake, while not really a lake, is a popular place to see Half Dome from up close. It's a two-mile round-trip walk on a paved trail with a 6.6% to 10.6% grade