Yosemite Nature Notes

Yosemite National Park: From foothill elevations to high mountain peaks, hundreds of flower species are found throughout Yosemite National Park. Rangers and scientists discuss the rich botanical history and some of the rare plants found here.

Yosemite National Park: The granite monolith of Half Dome is recognized throughout the world as an icon of Yosemite National Park. Thousands of visitors hike to the summit each year, rewarded with spectacular views and an experience that is not easily forgotten.

Yosemite National Park: Snow plays an important role in Yosemite's ecology while providing water for cities and farms. Winter visitors to the park experience a landscape transformed by snow.

Yosemite National Park: Throughout the winter, the elevation where rain turns to snow changes with each new storm. Join a meteorologist and park scientists as they chase the snow line in Yosemite.

Yosemite National Park: Most of Yosemite National Park is covered with vast conifer forests, and with abundant precipitation and warm temperatures, the park's mountains are home to some of the largest trees in the world.

Yosemite National Park: Yosemite National Park is famous for its spectacular glacially carved landscape. Although glaciers have come and gone many times in the past, there are still two active glaciers near Yosemite's highest peaks.

Yosemite National Park: From the Milky Way to the moon, the beauty of Yosemite is on display 24 hours per day. During the full moon of the spring and early summer, lunar rainbows, also known as moonbows, can be seen on many park waterfalls.

Yosemite National Park: Changing appearance throughout the seasons, the black oak is one of the iconic trees of Yosemite Valley, and its acorn is used for food by both animals and people.

Yosemite National Park: While most visitors come during the summer months, winter is a special time of year in Yosemite National Park. This video shows the beauty of the winter months at Yosemite.

Yosemite's vast acreage and remote location protect some of the darkest night skies in the country. Astronomers, photographers, and city dwellers flock to the park to take advantage of this unique opportunity to view planets, stars, and galaxies.