The Nature of Yosemite: A Visual Journey

Majestic icons, intimate details, compelling wildlife portraits, and enchanting scenes of natural splendor are richly reproduced in this stylish volume. Whether venturing deep into the wilderness or simply taking a few steps off a park road, photographer Robb Hirsch, a scientist by training, always brings back a captivating picture—and the story behind it.

Yosemite is like nowhere else on Earth. Within its vast expanses, are found spectacular granites, two major watersheds, glacially carved valleys, delicate meadows, thousands of lakes, grand trees, and charismatic wildlife. From his years of exploring and studying the Sierra Nevada, Robb knows that understanding the natural processes underlying the magic of a place like Yosemite can thoroughly enhance one’s connection to the landscape. In this book, Robb provides that enriching experience by calling on knowledgeable friends—all experts in their fields—to contribute insights into the natural wonders on view in his photographs. The images and essays work together to draw readers into a deeper relationship with their favorite national park.

The book features essays by these Sierra Nevada luminaries:

John Muir Laws, on Wonder, Beauty, and Nature

Tim Palmer, on rivers

Greg Stock, on geology

James McGrew, on the role of art in Yosemite

Brock Dolman, on the water cycle

Sarah Stock, on bird diversity

Rob Grasso, on the Yosemite toad

Kurt Menning, on fire ecology

Beth Pratt, on pikas Dan Webster, on wildflowers

Karen Amstutz, on Tuolumne Meadows

Nathan Stephenson, on giant sequoias

Adonia Ripple, on the importance of Yosemite

Pete Devine, on the remarkable properties of leaves

Robb’s passion is the ongoing search for the “Wow!” that can be found in every acre of Yosemite National Park—and that passion comes through in each of his photographs. The result is a breathtaking book that will dazzle, enlighten, and inspire a deep appreciation for the nature of Yosemite.