Parc national de Yosemite

Photo : Diliff (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Located in California's Sierra Nevada mountain range, Yosemite National Park encompasses a vast wilderness of granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoia groves, and alpine meadows. The park's distinctive geological formations, including the iconic Half Dome and El Capitan, showcase dramatic examples of glacial erosion and granite batholith landscapes. Yosemite's natural heritage encompasses diverse ecosystems ranging from the low-elevation valley floor to high alpine environments, supporting significant biodiversity. The park was among the first protected natural areas in the United States and played a foundational role in the development of the modern conservation movement. Its exceptional geological, hydrological, and biological features, combined with its scenic valleys and waterfalls, form the basis of its international significance as a natural heritage site.