Tag Archives: rock

Eye Level View of Half Dome

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Half Dome is a granite dome at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. It is a well-known rock formation in the park, named for its distinct shape. One side is a sheer face while the other three sides are smooth and round, making it appear like a dome cut in half. The granite crest rises more than 4,737 ft (1,444 m) above the valley floor and stands nearly 8,800 feet above sea level

Half Dome as viewed from Glacier Point (approximately 7,200 feet height).

Eye Level View of Half Dome

Devil’s Head at Chimney Rock

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At the start of the Skyline trail just above the top of Chimney Rock, one may notice a menacing rock face peering out over the Gorge. On even closer inspection, it appears to have taken on the countenance of evil incarnate – it’s the Devil’s Head! How did this rock form itself into such a shape?

A long time ago a huge sheet of rock slid down the mountainside and broke into many pieces, one of which came to rest on this ledge. The facial features of the boulder are due to differential weathering of Henderson Gneiss rock. More resistant parts of the rock form the eyebrow, nose, chin and ear, while softer layers have eroded out, shaping the eye and the mouth.

Devil's Head at Chimney Rock

Devil’s Head at Chimney Rock

Devil's Head Rock Formation

Devil’s Head Rock Formation