Yosemite in Depth: Geology

Geologic processes such as valley formation and glaciation have occurred throughout the Sierra Nevada, but the Yosemite region is especially spectacular. This section lets you visit the park online and experience some of these geologic processes through classroom activities. You can also visit the park in person with your class.

Activities

All of the activities in this section take place on the park’s Mirror Lake trail, which is a geologic tour through time. There are several activities that you can do at specific locations along the trail.

If you can’t visit the park, you can hike the trail online! So get your Field Journal — you might want to refer to it and make more notes. The first activity is about granitic rocks, which you should be familiar with if you read the Overview and completed the Field Journal sections listed on the menu at left.

Click on Next page to begin hiking!