Went back to the High Sierra Trail after 10 years and it felt smaller

I hiked the High Sierra Trail last month for the first time since 2014 and I swear the switchbacks up to Bearpaw seemed shorter. Maybe it's just me getting older (and hopefully fitter) but the whole vibe felt more crowded too. Has anyone else noticed trails changing over a decade like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

vera_murphy17d agoMost Upvoted

Oh man, I had a buddy who swore the Mist Trail in Yosemite got shorter between his two trips. He said the same thing about the switchbacks up to Vernal Fall, claimed they felt like half the length compared to his first time in 2012. But then he realized he'd been taking more breaks and just didn't remember the crowds back then. Turns out he was just a lot faster and didn't notice the traffic as much when there were fewer people. Funny how your memory plays tricks on you after a decade.

sagep1917d ago

Guess his legs got a software update for 2024.

olivia_bailey15d ago

Honestly that's kind of sweet though. Like imagine being that guy and just having the time of your life on the trail without even realizing you're crushing it. Software update lol I'm stealing that. I love when people get faster and stronger without even noticing, it's like your body just quietly upgrades itself while you're out there living your life. Makes me want to hit the gym or something but nah.