As part of our quest to visit all 63 U.S. national parks, we set off on a six week road trip. I…read morehave a personal rule: I only count a national park as "visited" if I actually spend time there, hike or walk through it, and truly experience it. On this trip, we visited 14 national parks, and Yosemite National Park was a special stop because it brought back memories while also giving us a new perspective.
This is not a full review of Yosemite because I have visited before, many years ago. During that visit, I spent time in Yosemite Valley, hiked several trails, and experienced the incredible beauty of the park more extensively. Yosemite Valley is one of those places that stays in your memory forever, with its enormous granite cliffs, waterfalls, forests, and iconic landmarks.
This time, as part of our six week journey, we only had a few hours to spend in Yosemite while traveling from Mono Lake toward Death Valley. We entered from the eastern side of the park, and even that short visit was absolutely spectacular.
The drive itself was an experience. Coming through the Sierra Nevada, surrounded by towering mountains, dramatic rock formations, and breathtaking scenery, reminded us why Yosemite is considered one of America's greatest national parks. Every turn of the road revealed another incredible view.
Even with only a few hours, Yosemite had that same powerful effect: it makes you feel small in the best possible way. The scale of the granite cliffs, the beauty of the valleys, and the sense of being surrounded by ancient landscapes are simply unforgettable.
Yosemite is one of those places that deserves more than one visit. It is a park where every season, every trail, and every entrance offers something different. Whether you are standing below El Capitan, watching waterfalls pour down the cliffs, hiking through the forests, or simply sitting quietly and taking in the views, Yosemite reminds you of the incredible power and beauty of nature.
This short return visit only confirmed what I already knew: Yosemite is a must-see national park, one that belongs on everyone's list and one that continues to inspire no matter how many times you return.