The basics: Yosemite has stunning waterfalls and granite formations. One of these, Half Dome, is the iconic centerpiece of this national park in California. The rounded rock formation, rising 5,000 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley, sports a sheer cliff on one side, popular with rock climbers. Hikers can reach the top, too, via a 14- to 16-mile round-trip adventure requiring fitness, preparedness and an early-morning departure.
Visitors: 4.15 million people visited the park in 2015.
Square miles: 1,169.
Established: 1890.
More information: nps.gov/yose; 1-209-372-0200.
