2 to 3 million years ago The earth's climate cooled, and glaciers sculpted and carved out hanging valleys, deep U-shaped canyons, and glacial lakes in the Sierra Nevada. Today The geologic past can be seen throughout the parks. Darwin Glacier hides in a basin on Mount Darwin in Kings Canyon. Roaring River Falls and Mist Falls cascade from hanging valleys. Glacial lakes dot the Monarch Divide, and a glacial staircase climbs the Sixty Lake Basin.
Hot springs indicate the presence of hot rock beneath the surface.
Recent earthquakes demonstrate how the process continues. As you explore the parks, look for how uplifting, ice, and water have built and sculpted the land.