Tunnel View Visitor's Guide - Yosemite National Park
Any trip to Yosemite National Park isn’t complete without a stop at Tunnel View, and today I’m incredibly excited to share this iconic location with you as I partner with Visit Yosemite | Madera County. This famous view is truly great in any season, but on my recent visit I had the pleasure of experiencing a magical morning under a light flurry of snow. Join me today for an unforgettable morning at Tunnel View while I share details on the history of this spot, as well as what it looks like in each season and at different times of day.
Yosemite National Park’s Tunnel View on a Winter morning
Clouds shroud El Capitan & Half Dome seen from Tunnel View
Location
Perched above the west end of Yosemite Valley along State Route 41, the Wawona Tunnel connects the Valley Loop, El Portal Road and Big Oak Flat Road with Glacier Point Road, Wawona, and Oakhurst to the south. Tunnel View, the glorious overlook situated at the east end of the tunnel, looks out overtop of endless evergreen trees and offers some of the most spectacular views of Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall.
Wawona Tunnel in Yosemite National Park
1855 Thomas Ayres drawing of Yosemite
History
Even before Ansel Adams captured his famous Tunnel View images here in 1935, both casual and renowned artists had been painting, drawing and photographing the incredible landscape here for decades. In late Spring of 1855, Thomas Ayres drew the Yosemite Valley from this area, which was widely published and introduced these wild lands to the world for the first time. Although the angle from which he penned his drawing was slightly different (probably closer to modern day Inspiration Point), this view became synonymous with Yosemite and the American West.
Construction of the Wawona Tunnel began in 1930 at a cost of $850,000 (the equivalent to $12.5 million today). The mountainside was solid granite bedrock requiring over 230 tons of dynamite to blast through. The tunnel stands 28 feet wide and 19 feet tall, and it’s the longest highway tunnel in California at 4,230 feet (0.8 miles) long. In 1986, Wawona Tunnel and Tunnel View were deemed eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places because of their exemplary design.
A Winter sunrise lights up early morning fog over Bridalveil Fall.
Viewing platform at Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park
Visiting Today
In the busy Summer months, it’s estimated over 5,000 people visit Tunnel View everyday, but two parking lots offer ample parking (even for large RVs and tour buses). If the lots are full, just circle around and it’s very probable that spots will open up quickly...many people pull over to take in the view to take a few quick pictures and then continue on their way. However, some photographers (Nate & I included) love spending hours at this spot for sunrise, sunset, and night photography.
Below are some of the shots we’ve captured from Tunnel View over the years from different seasons and times of day.
Bridalveil Fall raging on a late afternoon in Spring 2023
Sun rising above Cathedral Rocks through smoke from the 2020 Creek Fire
Last light of the day casts across Half Dome & Clouds Rest during a Summer sunset
Sun rising behind El Capitan in Summer in Yosemite National Park
El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall (trickling) at midday during late Summer
Pops of Fall colors under pink skies an hour before sunrise
Cloudy Winter morning seen from Yosemite’s Tunnel View
Hiking
Although no hiking is required to enjoy the views at Tunnel View, it’s a great spot to head out on a hiking adventure. Located on the backside of the upper parking lot, visitors can find the trailhead to the famous Pohono Trail. The full Pohono Trail leads all the way to Glacier Point and is considered one of Yosemite’s more strenuous hikes, extending 13 miles one way and gaining 3,400 feet in elevation. If that’s a bit more than you’re looking for, this trailhead also offers access to Inspiration Point (2.5 miles RT with 1,000 ft in elevation) and Artist Point (1 mile RT with 500 ft in elevation). These two overlooks provide similar views to Tunnel View, but from a higher elevation and without the crowds...both of which I highly recommend.
Milky Way and Jupiter shining bright over Yosemite in Summer
Know Before You Go
• The Travel Alerts page on YosemiteThisYear.com is a great resource to reference prior to any Yosemite trip. There you’ll find up-to-date park information, road conditions, and links to everything you might need while preparing for your trip.
• It’s important to always carry chains with you in the Winter and check road conditions before traveling as sudden snow may make snow tires or chains required at any time. For the most up-to-date road conditions in Yosemite, call 209-372-0200. Dial “1” when prompted, and then “1” again.
• Please remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. Pack out everything you pack in and stay on the designated paths. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• Wildlife is abundant in Yosemite. Never leave food unattended, especially in your vehicle, as this is black bear territory.
• Always check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date road conditions, air quality, and possible closures prior to your visit.
Top 10 Yosemite Viewpoints
Looking out at El Capitan & Half Dome from Tunnel View in Winter
In Summary & Post Sponsor
Thanks for joining me today in Yosemite at Tunnel View. For a virtual Winter visit, see my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here.
I’d like to give a special thank you to the sponsor of this post, Visit Yosemite | Madera County. Please consider stopping off to support the small businesses and local economies of the gateway communities surrounding the park. For great information on what to do inside Yosemite National Park and in Madera County directly to the south (along Highway 41), check out YosemiteThisYear.com and @yosemitemadera on Instagram. Until next time, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Starry night sky over Wawona Tunnel in Yosemite National Park
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Wondering what the Fall colors look like right now in Yosemite Valley? I spent the last week exploring my top spots in Yosemite National Park for enjoying the autumn foliage, and I'm excited to share the current conditions today for this first week of November 2024. I'm rating the park as a "Go Soon" with a mix of vibrant colors at spots like Bridalveil Fall, Cooks Meadow, and Yosemite Chapel.