"The Incomparable Valley." -- Well known words describing Yosemite Valley. The story of Yosemite began about 500 million years ago when the area lay beneath an ancient sea. Yosemite Valley's sheer walls and flat floor (or U-shape) was created by glaciers. Glaciers flowed down the Merced River and carried away the weaker rock, leaving the harder portions, like El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks. In contrast, the area just west of the park is V-shaped because the glaciers did not extend this far.

Photo: Tunnel View of Yosemite National Park. El Capitan is on the left, Bridalveil Fall is on the right, and Half Dome is in the center off in the distance.

Email your favorite quote to yourquote@imahero.com

Archives - Quote of the Week

The Yosemite Fun-Book: A Kid's Guide to Yosemite

This book is featured in John Muir's Books. This title says it all -- A FUN BOOK and KID'S GUIDE TO YOSEMITE! Whether or not you vacation in Yosemite, this book offers hours of coloring, games, riddles, puzzles, activities, and pure enjoyment. Did you know Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America? My favorite part of the book is the cartoon map of Yosemite Valley in the centerfold; it has everything including Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, the Merced River, El Capitan, and even the Visitor Center.

Also check out our Online Bookstore for more books about your favorite Heroes.

Archives - Feature Books

This Week's Trivia Question:
Question: What is the tallest waterfall in Yosemite National Park?

Photo: Tallest waterfall in Yosemite National Park

Last Week's Trivia Question:
Question: Which of the following people is the primary author of the Declaration of Independence: Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, or Patrick Henry?
Answer: Thomas Jefferson. In 1776, the Second Continental Congress appointed a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence, consisting of Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, John Adams, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman. Did you know the Declaration of Independence begins with the words, "When in the course of human events..." Read a book about Thomas Jefferson.

Photos from Left to Right: Ben Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry

Archives - Trivia Questions

Did you know Yosemite is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range?

Yes, Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevadas in central California. Yosemite's spectacular natural beauty includes Half Dome, El Capitan, Glacier Point, Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, Merced River, Mirror Lake, Mariposa Grove, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, Sentinel Rock, Royal Arches, North Dome, Sentinel Dome, Clouds Rest, and The Three Brothers. Have you seen any of these sites?

Photo: Taken just before sunset, looking at Half Dome from Glacier Point with the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in the background. This is a perfect spot to watch sunrise, sunset, full moon rise, and to look at the night sky.

Archives - Did You Know…

"John Muir was a great person and cared about nature and the environment. I'm so thankful for his work in protecting places of great natural beauty, like Yosemite and Alaska. I'm also glad he started the Sierra Club to continue on his work." -- Bob. Read a book about John Muir.

Photo: John Muir

Tell Us Who's Your Hero?

Archives - Who's Your Hero?

Q: Was Yosemite National Park the first national park?

A: No, the first National Park was Yellowstone National Park established on March 1, 1872. Yosemite National Park was established on October 1, 1890. Yosemite contains 747,956 acres or 1,169 square miles. Did you know Yosemite is about the size of Rhode Island? The park ranges from 2,000 feet above sea level to more than 13,000 feet. Did you know Mt. Lyell (13,114 feet) is the highest point in the park? Yosemite has beautiful waterfalls including Yosemite Falls (2,424 feet), Bridalveil Fall (620 feet), Nevada Fall (594 feet), and Vernal Fall (317 feet). These waterfalls reach their maximum flow in May and June.

Photo: Bridalveil Fall and the Merced River.

Email your questions to yourquestion@imahero.com

Archives - Your Question