The majestic Upper Yosemite Fall. Including the lower falls (not visible here), the Yosemite Falls are the tallest waterfall in North America and the fifth tallest in the world.

El Capitan and Ribbon Fall as seen coming into the Yosemite Valley on the main road in early June.

Half Dome towers over the head of the Yosemite Valley. Meanwhile, the Merced River gurgles past in its relaxed but determined journey.

Half Dome glowed like the moon in the early evening hues, as viewed from Columbia Rock 1000 feet above the valley floor.

Upper Yosemite Fall from Swinging Bridge picnic area.

Soft grass in Leidig Meadow, amidst majestic characters.

Soothing colors and textures.

Red Pine and Red Cedar Trees were my favorites: tall, elegant, and colorful.

The deep orangish-red bark of the Red Pine was quite stunning.

Texture of Red Pine.

View northeast from atop windy Sentinel Dome: Half Dome and Sierra Nevada range.

View northwest from atop Sentinel Dome: Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls.

View west from atop Sentinel Dome: El Capitan (right) and Cathedral Spires (left) with Yosemite Valley between.

Soft sunlight filters through dry, cathedral forests, on Four Mile Trail between Glacier Point and the valley floor.

Half Dome and Royal Arches, seen from the Four Mile Trail as we plunged from Glacier Point to the valley floor.

Tenya Lake and surrounding mountains from Olmsted Point along the Tioga Pass Road.

Winter sheets linger on Tenya Lake even in early June.

Tuolumne Meadows, still mostly covered with snow.

Pothole Dome emerges from a soggy Tuolumne Meadows.

View from Dana Meadows, near west Tioga Pass Entrance.

Unforgettable, tiny Snow Plant, which grows through the snow melt in western conifer forests. It obtains nutrients from the rich humus of the forest floor rather than from the production of chlorophyll.

Excitement thunders on the Merced River through the steep valley. Vernal Falls can be seen in the center background.

Quiet fern rests among shaded rock cliffs above John Muir Trail, enroute to Nevada Falls.

Liberty Cap and Nevada Falls emerge from wooded Little Yosemite Valley.

Dramatic, yet somewhat shaded, view of Nevada Falls and Liberty Cap, taken from John Muir Trail about 1/2 mile before bridge crossing falls.

Northeast side of Half Dome, the side opposite that normally seen from the Yosemite Valley. Only those who hike the trail to the top of Half Dome see this view. The last few hundred feet of the trail require a 45° climb up the infamous "cable staircase", visible here.

At the base of the Half Dome cables, as brave hiker makes her way up the first few segments. Very intimidated by the first, second, and third glance at this view, many hikers can be heard muttering "You gotta be kidding" and "Holy sh*t!" Despite the initial intimidation, hundreds of people climb to the top every day during the summer. Traffic jams on the cables occur during the afternoon. Now that's scary!

About halfway up the cables.

About 3/4ths of the way up, with great view of Half Dome shoulder below.

Top lip of Half Dome.

View atop rounded edge of Half Dome. Although not all pictured here, the top of Half Dome is relatively flat and large, about the size of 17 football fields. A storm was moving in, so we didn't stay up here too long. It's no fun being a lightning rod.

Greetings atop Half Dome by furry friend.