Many people know these sights by name, but more know them by sight alone, as captured through the lens of the legendary American photographer Ansel Adams.

Adams first visited Yosemite in 1916 when he was 14 years old. On that trip, he hopped up on a tree stump to take a photo of Half Dome, then stumbled, headfirst, and accidentally pushed the shutter release.

The park itself also remained a favorite. Adams ended up living much of his life in Yosemite, and took many of his most well-known photographs there.

He loved the scenery as it was at the time

Whether it was dead trees or trees that were alive. Or whether the waterfall was full or down.

“Nature is always better when left to itself — but for what purpose?” he wrote.

“Starry-eyed reaction to the splendors of nature is an invaluable experience for everyone.”