Natural Features
What river runs through Yosemite?
Merced River
How many visitors does Yosemite receive each year?
Over 4 million (4.28 million in 2025)
This massive, ancient tree species can be found in three different groves within the park, including Mariposa Grove.
Giant Sequoia?
What is the tallest waterfall in Yosemite National Park?
Yosemite Falls
What is the name of the massive, flat-topped granite dome that sits directly opposite Half Dome across Tenaya Canyon?
Clouds Rest.
What is the name of the 3000 ft cliff wall on the north side of Yosemite valley that is world famous for climbing?
El Capitan
Which naturalist was instrumental in having Yosemite legally protected?
John Muir
Park rangers use "bear boxes" and strictly enforce food storage rules to protect this specific color-named mammal native to Yosemite.
Black Bear
How many major sections make up Yosemite Falls?
Three — Upper Falls, Middle Cascades, and Lower Falls
This river cuts through the park's northern high country, parallel to the Merced.
Tuolumne River
What is the highest point in Yosemite?
Mt. Lyell, 13,114 ft, 3,997 meters
Which president did John Muir bring to Yosemite and spend three days camping with him?
Teddy Roosevelt, in 1903
This is a large and antlered mammal that was reintroduced to Yosemite and is usually grazing in the parks high elevation meadows.
Elk
What waterfall is famous for appearing to glow orange or red during certain February sunsets?
Horsetail Fall
What is the name of the shallow, scenic lake in Yosemite Valley that reflects the image of Half Dome and is famous for drying up almost completely by late summer?
Mirror Lake
What percent of Yosemite is designated as Wilderness?
95%, or nearly 705,000 acres.
In what year was Yosemite National Park established?
1890
This is a small, striped rodent that looks like a squirrel and is seen through out the park.
Chipmunk
What is the name of the waterfall that drops directly from the Merced River near the eastern end of Yosemite Valley?
Nevada Fall
What is Yosemite Mountains and Peaks mainly made out of?
Granite
What is the elevation of Yosemite Valley?
Roughly 4,000 ft
Before becoming a national park, Yosemite Valley was protected by a grant signed by which U.S. president in 1864?
Abraham Lincoln
This high-flying, predatory bird with a white head and tail can occasionally be seen hunting for fish over Yosemite's rivers.
Bald Eagle
What two waterfalls are connected by the Mist Trail?
Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall
To hike to Mt. Whitney from the valley, you need a permit that clears this specific pass.
Donohue Pass