The granodiorite has large crystals of biotite, hornblende, and both feldspars — orthoclase and plagioclase.

[2] From petrographic observation, the average mineral proportion of non-layered rocks of Half Dome Granodiorite is 45% plagioclase feldspar, 25% quartz, 8% biotite, 15% K-feldspar, 5% hornblende, 1% titanite, and 1% magnetite.

[5] Half Dome Granodiorite dominates Yosemite Valley area east of Royal Arches and Glacier Point.

Half Dome Granodiorite forms the sheer cliffs to the north of the trail between the Ahwahnee Hotel and Mirror Lake .

The trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls also crosses through Half Dome Granodiorite.