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1956 Map of Yosemite

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Yosemite
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1968
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1968

About this map

Yosemite Village serves as the focal point of human activity within this mid-century survey of the glacier-carved valley. The map documents the extensive network of early automotive routes, including the Coulterville Road and Wawona Road, which facilitated the growth of tourism and infrastructure. Evidence of early resource management and utility development appears at the Yosemite Powerhouse, while the presence of the Star Mine near the southeastern boundary reflects the region's diverse economic history before the shift toward conservation and recreation.

The landscape is defined by iconic granite landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan, overlooking a dense system of waterfalls including Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Falls. To the south, the map details the Wawona area, including North Wawona and the Mariposa Grove Big Tree, illustrating the established park gateway. High-altitude meadows such as McGurk Meadow and Mono Meadow are interspersed among the drainages of the Merced River and South Fork Merced River, showing the area's complex hydrological and topographic character.