Half Dome
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At the foot of Yosemite Valley perhaps the most recognizable feature in Yosemite rests high above the valley floor. Ansel Adams’ famed photographs of Half Dome (visible from most of the valley floor) made it known to hikers and photo-lovers the world round.
Scientists believe that Half Dome was never a whole dome—in fact, it sits now in its original formation. This piece of a narrow granite ridge was polished to its smooth “dome” shape by glaciers tens of millions of years ago, giving it the fallacious appearance of half a dome.
Want to climb Half Dome? See the Hiking section for information about this strenuous ascent and other valley hikes.
© Liz Hamill Scott from Moon California, 2nd Edition
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.