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Yosemite is great. Because it's California, anywhere else it's just as great

hiking_soul
Public 5 conversations 15 arguments 422 agrees 66 disagrees 1 series 3,079 views

Yosemite Valley is stunning. Unfortunately, it is also a traffic simulator. You spend half your visit inching forward behind rental SUVs while trying not to sideswipe a cyclist dressed like they’re competing in the Tour de France. Then you finally get out of the car and, yes, okay, El Capitan and Half Dome are unbelievable. You see them, you will NOT climb them*

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Yosemite Valley is stunning. Unfortunately, it is also a traffic simulator.

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Yes, it does look like that. But also, you have to drive there. Inside too

You spend half your visit inching forward behind rental SUVs while trying not to sideswipe a cyclist dressed like they’re competing in the Tour de France. Then you finally get out of the car and, yes, okay, El Capitan and Half Dome are unbelievable. You see them, you will NOT climb them*

But this is California. You can accidentally discover scenery this good while looking for a gas station. You don't need to drive anywhere, your hike next to your Airbnb is just as breathtaking.

The weird part is that most of Yosemite National Park is fantastic specifically because it’s not the valley. Get out into the high country and suddenly the park becomes peaceful, enormous, and genuinely magical again.

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This is FAR more likely to be your experience

*Obligatory link to show the greatest athletic achievement we have ever witnessed: