Yosemite National Park
United States ·
Description
Yosemite is where America learned to revere nature. El Capitan rises as the world's largest granite monolith, Yosemite Falls drops 739 meters in three leaps, and Half Dome dominates the valley like a stone god. Ansel Adams immortalized this landscape in black and white, and John Muir fought to protect it. It's America's natural cathedral.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
Yosemite presents exceptional granite formations sculpted by glaciers. Waterfalls, cliffs and giant sequoias inspired the worldwide conservation movement. It's one of the world's most iconic natural landscapes.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
For its exceptional granite formations and inspiring the worldwide conservation movement.
It was inscribed in 1984 under criteria (vii) and (viii).
The world's largest granite monolith: 900 m vertical wall; mecca for climbers.
May-June from snowmelt; in late summer they can dry up.
Yes, since 2020 reservations are required to enter between May and September.