Spring runoff is in full swing as seen from a distance of Bridalveil Falls with Hald Dome to the far left Friday, May 16, 2008 in Yosemite National Park, Calif. The Associated Press
The Yosemite Valley floor from the Merced River with El Capitan, left, and Glacier Point at right, is shown Jan. 31, 2001, in Yosemite, Calif. The Associated Press
An early morning mist settles on trees on the valley floor, Nov. 21, 2003, in Yosemite National Park in California. The Associated Press
A rescue worker on the face of El Capitan, left, is seen in this aerial view of the Yosemite Valley Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004, in Yosemite National Park, Calif. The Associated Press
The moon rises over the Clark Mountain Range on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2005, seen from Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park, Calif. The Associated Press
A backpacker views Half Dome, the 8,842-foot symbol of Yosemite National Park, May 30, 2004. The Associated Press
In this 2005 file photo, visitors view Half Dome from Glacier Point at Yosemite National Park, Calif. The Associated Press
Dust rises off Glacier Point in the aftermath of a small rock slide Thursday, July 11, 1996, in Yosemite National Park, Calif. The Associated Press
In this photo taken Thursday, May 26, 2011, Bridalveil Falls is seen in Yosemite National park. The Associated Press
In this photo from Aug. 2011, Half Dome and Yosemite Valley is shown from Glacier Point at Yosemite National Park, Calif. The Associated Press
This Sept. 25, 2012 photo shows Banner Peak in the Ansel Adams Wilderness outside Yosemite National Park in California. The Associated Press
Kevin Jorgeson, left, and Tommy Caldwell climb El Capitan, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015, as seen from the valley floor in Yosemite National Park, Calif. The Associated Press
The peaceful Merced River is shown winding through Yosemite Valley with El Capitan in the background as visitors are allowed back into Yosemite National Park, Calif., The Associated Press
Life & Culture 
