These Iconic West Coast Hikes Are Totally Ruined by Crowds

There’s nothing like a legendary trail—so why do these once-idyllic West Coast hikes now feel like tourist highways? From Instagram mobs to selfie sticks sprawled across switchbacks, overtourism and hype are wrecking some of our favorite trails. Here are 8 hikes that are less “escape to nature” and more “crowded sprint with views.”

Table of Contents

1. Angels Landing – Zion National Park, UT
2. Half Dome – Yosemite, CA
3. Mist Trail to Vernal Falls – Yosemite, CA
4. McWay Falls Overlook – Big Sur, CA
5. Emerald Bay Lookout – Lake Tahoe, CA
6. The Narrows – Zion National Park
7. Mount Si – North Bend, WA
8. Muir Woods – Marin County, CA
- The deeper issues behind overtourism:
MORE ON THE WEST COAST:

1. Angels Landing – Zion National Park, UT

brown mountains with forest — Photo by Jamie Hagan on Unsplash

Once a bucket-list epic with narrow ridges and jaw-dropping drops, Angels Landing now often feels like Disneyland at peak season. People clog the infamous handrails, creating slow queues that stretch the entire spine. Trail crews warn of erosion from heavy foot traffic, and occasional rescues for overwhelmed hikers are now routine. Even midweek carries crowds of hundreds. Unless you go at sunrise on a weekday, you’ll be fighting elbow-to-elbow for those views.

(technically Inland West, but attracts West Coast weekend warriors)

2. Half Dome – Yosemite, CA

“Half Dome Cables” by thefost is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

That iconic granite dome with cable-assisted final ascent? Still epic in concept, but the reality is lines. Permits are limited, yet hundreds still attempt the hike daily in peak season. Shuttle buses to trailheads overflow, forcing long waits. Reports on trail forums say some hikers wait 30+ minutes just to start the cable section—a bottleneck through sheer popularity. Even quieter Yosemite Valley feels frantic: paved paths are bursting, and lodging is priced for the convention crowd rather than true adventurers.

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3. Mist Trail to Vernal Falls – Yosemite, CA

One of the most scenic waterfall routes on the continent—but with hundreds of day-hikers wearing Crocs and taking group photos, its charm is diluted. Locals report that shoulder seasons are no longer quiet: ghost photos of selfie-taking congestion make it past the half-mile marker. You’ll need nerves of steel to hike the granite steps along Vernal Fall’s mist spray—and still dodge Instagrammers posing for that perfect frame.

4. McWay Falls Overlook – Big Sur, CA

McWay Falls, a waterfall dumping into the ocean.

That cascading waterfall into the ocean is iconic. But Big Sur’s parking woes have peaked: cars line Highway 1, hikers park a quarter-mile away, and trail signage can barely keep up. Weekends bring buses of tourists excited for the one picture—and leave the rest of the overlook jammed, people spilling into cliff edges. There’s no real trail beyond the viewpoint, but the chaos ruins the zen.

5. Emerald Bay Lookout – Lake Tahoe, CA

One of Tahoe’s blue-turquoise signature shots. But come mid-July, you’re fighting crowds on the peak trailhead—parking full by 6 am, trail jammed by 9. Hiking groups, drone users, photographers stacking for golden hour. Lake Tahoe’s got premium serenity, but on this vista, it’s in-name-only.

6. The Narrows – Zion National Park

a man standing in the middle of a canyon — Photo by Dave Babler on Unsplash

Walking through the Virgin River between canyon walls? Heavenly. Except now established as a half-day-to-full-day experience that draws nonstop foot traffic. Narrow passages turn into slow-moving queues. Riverbank campsites are trampled, and wildlife is spooked by the human tide. In peak months, even early mornings bring groups of inexperienced hikers unprepared for the terrain—jeopardizing both safety and solitude.

7. Mount Si – North Bend, WA

“North Bend, WA – Si View Park 02” by Joe Mabel is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

The classic Seattle-area day-hike once provided a peaceful escape. Now muddied trails are spotted with beer cans, dog waste, and crowds from dawn onward. Parking fills before sunrise, forcing cars to shoulder or neighborhood streets. Even on weekdays, trailheads are jammed, and trail etiquette is low. If you’re expecting forest tranquility and a solo summit—good luck.

8. Muir Woods – Marin County, CA

Sequoia cathedrals just north of San Francisco… except the shuttle is backed up, boarding lines stretch for half a mile, and picnic areas get overrun early. Locals say the whole feel is less “forest worship” and more “sardine spectacle.” You’ll get your tree fix, but forget any sense of peaceful communion with nature.