You may think you know Yosemite — the breathtaking landscapes, the Ansel Adams photographs, even the John Muir-Teddy Roosevelt camping lore. Here are five things about the national park that you may not know. (Psst, one is probably best avoided.)

The mountaineer: Thousands of people climb Half Dome each year, using cables to ascend the last 400 feet. Such a thing was unthinkable in 1875, when George Anderson became the first man to reach the summit — and launch California’s passion for rock climbing. You can see his cabin in Wawona’s Pioneer Yosemite History Center and visit his grave in Yosemite Valley’s pioneer cemetery.

Yes, there’s a cemetery quietly tucked away near the visitors center, with gravestones and wooden markers to commemorate 45 people — pioneers, Native Americans and 19th century visitors, ages 3 to 96 — who died here. Anderson’s grave marker is a simple carved rock. While you’re here, look for the gravestone of Galen Clark, the Yosemite Grant’s first guardian, too. (You may find ranger Lloyd Brubaker’s cemetery guide helpful. Find it at www.yosemite.ca.us/library/.)

The judge: There’s a U.S. District Courthouse in Yosemite Valley. Commit a felony in this national park, and you’ll be tried in Fresno. But misdemeanors — including biking under the influence and disturbing wildlife — will land you in this small, gray-painted building, which holds a holding cell, a courtroom and a magistrate judge ready to dispense justice.

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Yosemite: Hazardous smoke, fire closure. Oh, and biting snakes. The cavalry: Yosemite was a national park before there was a National Park Service or park rangers. So the U.S. Army sent troops from San Francisco’s Presidio each summer to patrol the trails, protect the land and act as stewards. Some 500 Buffalo Soldiers — African-American troops — were assigned to Yosemite and Sequoia national parks. Their cavalry headquarters is part of the pioneer history exhibits at Wawona, and you can read more about them at www.nps.gov/yose/learn/.

The photographer: There’s an entire gallery devoted to the iconic Yosemite photographer. But what most people don’t know is that Ansel Adams was also the pageant producer behind the Ahwahnee’s spectacular Bracebridge Dinner. Hoping to draw visitors during the hotel’s first winter season in 1927, the Yosemite Park and Curry Company hired a pageant director to create a holiday spectacle. Inspired by Washington Irving’s sketchbook, the grand Bracebridge Dinner included a procession, a pageant and a feast, with Yosemite locals playing the roles of Squire and Lady Bracebridge and their entourage.

When the director suddenly died two year later, Adams, who had played the role of Lord of Misrule, took up the reins, reworked the script, had new sets built and directed the production from 1929 to 1973. You can still experience that glory at the Bracebridge Dinners hosted at the Majestic Yosemite Hotel (the former Ahwahnee) each December; www.bracebridgedinners.com.

The H.M.S. Pinafore: Light opera stars Gilbert and Sullivan have a Yosemite connection, as well — or rather Sir Arthur Sullivan does. The Yosemite Valley visitor was the organist at President Ulysses Grant’s memorial service held at the Yosemite Valley Chapel in 1885. Today, the chapel holds regular services on Sundays and Thursdays, although the organist is unlikely to perform “I am the very model of a modern major general.”

IF YOU GO

A 7-day permit for this national park is $30 per car, or $60 for an annual pass. Winter weather and road conditions can change quickly. Check for road alerts and weather updates at the National Park Service website.