Yosemite Valley in Mariposa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Glacier Point View Terrace

Yosemite National Park

Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 24, 2016

1. Glacier Point View Terrace Marker

Inscription. The stage was set for the creation of Vernal and Nevada Falls when two major fractures developed in the otherwise solid granite walls. Glaciers ground and carved away the downhill side of the fractures, leaving the two vertical waterfalls, sometimes referred to as the Giant Staircase. Vernal and Nevada Falls are part of the Merced River, which flows through Yosemite Valley, far below.

Erected by Yosemite National Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Science & Medicine • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 37° 43.711′ N, 119° 34.385′ W. Marker is in Yosemite Valley, California, in Mariposa County. It can be reached from Glacier Point Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Yosemite National Park CA 95389, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Glacier Point Hotel (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome to Glacier Point (approx. 0.2 miles away); Happy Isles Gaging Station (approx. 0.8 miles away); LeConte Memorial Lodge (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Grand Lodge (approx.

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1.2 miles away); The Ahwahnee Porte Cochere (approx. 1.3 miles away); Reawakening the Meadow (approx. 1.4 miles away); The Old Yosemite Village (approx. 1.4 miles away).

Another marker is no longer nearby. The Story of Half Dome (was approx. 1.4 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 24, 2016

2. Glacier Point View Terrace Marker

The marker can be seen on the right.

John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt at Glacier Point image. Click for full size.

courtesy NPS

3. John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt at Glacier Point

Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 239 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 15, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3. submitted on May 28, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.