Prior to the Ice Age, tectonic forces caused a 400-mile long block of granite to rise upwards, creating the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As the mountains rose up, rivers flowed down their slopes eventually carving out deep valleys. Later came several periods of glacial advancement. The most recent started around 50,000 years ago and receded about 10,000 years ago. These glaciers sculpted graceful valleys, gouged out sheer cliffs, and polished the granite to a shine.
All of this resulted in a grand landscape known as the Yosemite Valley. This photo is taken just after a snowstorm from Tunnel View, one of the most popular viewpoints in Yosemite National Park. From there you have one of the most famous views of Yosemite Valley, showcasing the immensity of the granite walls that surround Yosemite Valley and providing a classic view of El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, and Bridalveil Fall. Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.