Went there in August. Very hot weather, would rather go at sunset but no bus after 7pm. Had to help 2 students to get all the way up(we had 4 permits). They weren't prepared and a bit afraid, but since we did Angels few years back - it wasn't an issue. We had plenty of water and snacks, all of us returned safe and sound. Edit: If you go for a first bus at 6am, you can beat the crowd. When we were heading to Narrows next day at 6am, only few people left at grotto. I think it is busy during regular hours, when families get there, big groups and so on. Great experience, it was moderate for me, phenomenal views and quick. I think all together can be done in 3-4 hours easy.
Done it twice. Never doing it again. It's become a joke and unsafe. Not appropriate terrain for people with little to no hiking experience, especially experience with exposure, but sadly those are the people the place attracts. People have died up there. To answer your question - it's definitely an overrun attraction.
Went there in August. Very hot weather, would rather go at sunset but no bus after 7pm. Had to help 2 students to get all the way up(we had 4 permits). They weren't prepared and a bit afraid, but since we did Angels few years back - it wasn't an issue. We had plenty of water and snacks, all of us returned safe and sound.
Edit: If you go for a first bus at 6am, you can beat the crowd. When we were heading to Narrows next day at 6am, only few people left at grotto. I think it is busy during regular hours, when families get there, big groups and so on. Great experience, it was moderate for me, phenomenal views and quick. I think all together can be done in 3-4 hours easy.
Great tip!
Done it twice. Never doing it again. It's become a joke and unsafe. Not appropriate terrain for people with little to no hiking experience, especially experience with exposure, but sadly those are the people the place attracts. People have died up there. To answer your question - it's definitely an overrun attraction.
I don't think I'd do it again either. I truly was worried about the crowd more than the exposure.