The Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, from Glacier Point Yosemite

Carleton Watkins captured the dramatic grandeur of Yosemite Valley in this sweeping vista from Glacier Point, showcasing the iconic Half Dome alongside the cascading Vernal and Nevada Falls. Known for his masterful large-format photography of the American West, Watkins rendered the towering granite formations and lush valley below with striking clarity and compositional depth. This work reflects his pioneering role in documenting the sublime landscapes of California, images that helped inspire the preservation of Yosemite as a protected natural landmark.