Yosemite Valley ( ) is a
glacial valley in
Yosemite National Park in the western
Sierra Nevada mountains of
Northern California. The valley is about long and up to a mile deep, surrounded by high
granite summits such as
Half Dome and
El Capitan, and densely forested with
pines. The valley is drained by the
Merced River and a multitude of streams and waterfalls including Tenaya, Illilouette, Yosemite and Bridalveil Creeks. Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America, and is a big attraction especially in the spring when the water flow is at its peak. The valley is renowned for its natural beauty, and is widely regarded as the centerpiece of Yosemite National Park, attracting visitors from around the world.