Is it just me...or is Yosemite overrated?
I know in some circles, the mere uttering of these words is considered a sin, but I need to know if others feel the same.
Are the pillars of granite astounding to be hold? Of course. Are there miles and miles of wilderness to explore? Undoubtedly.
But honestly, it just didn't captivate me. I think if I were there to climb, the experience would have been so much different. Visiting the valley as a hiker, though- I found it lacking. I honestly felt a little guilty about it, but the parking lots were cluttered, the signage was almost always inaccurate, the trails were fine, but busy and not as jaw-dropping as I had hoped. Look, maybe I just had a bad experience that soured my memory of the trip. But, I've got to know...am I the only one that feels this way?
No, it's not overrated. It's just not for everybody. I've been to Yosemite twice. Both times were killer experiences.
The first time I went, I climbed Half-Dome. I did the long hike, not the short one. If I had done nothing else at Yosemite, it would still have been worth the trip. In that same week, I also hiked the Mist Trail, which isn't as impressive but holds its own.
The second trip was equally as fun. We were in the park when a huge chunk of El Capitan fell and rattled the park. In that same week, we witnessed the famous Firefall at Horseshoe Falls. It was a bit crowded but festive and scenic. I also hiked the Yosemite Falls Trail and did the Sentinal Dome.
I wouldn't put it in my top 10 of National Park experiences, but it was definitely fun. It's fun to camp overnight, as well.
These are some epic trips, for sure! Half Dome was on my list, but it didn't happen due to time constraints. I did spend a few nights in the park, as well. Glad to hear your experience was so much better, though!