The majority of the Sierra Nevada's granite formed during the Mesozoic Era, primarily in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods due to subduction-related magmatic activity.

The Sierra Nevada's granite was predominantly formed in the Mesozoic Era, particularly between 200 and 80 million years ago, during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. This was a result of tectonic subduction as the ancient Farallon Plate slid beneath the North American Plate. Magma generated from this process rose to the surface and cooled slowly, forming massive granitic plutons deep underground. Over millions of years, erosion exposed these granitic cores, which now dominate the Sierra Nevada's geology. These formations are a defining feature of the range, with iconic sites like Yosemite's Half Dome showcasing the granite's resilience and beauty.