Yosemite Falls 4

Yosemite National Park is a place of spectacular beauty. But don't go there to "feel close to nature." It's a madhouse of cars, pickups, SUV's, RV's, campers, hikers, tourists, fumes and noise. If you stay long enough, and if you hike far enough from the highways, there must certainly be some places of quiet in the park. But the average tourist with a limited amount of time can only stop at the obvious spots, take the obvious photos, and pray to find a parking place.

I would return to Yosemite only if I had lots of time and a specific plan for experiencing both its beauty and its quiet.

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