Tunnel View

One of the most famous views of Yosemite Valley with views of El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall rising from Yosemite Valley, with Half Dome in the background

General Information
Pet Policy:
Pets allowed at viewpoint. Pets NOT allowed on trails
Seasons:
All year
Map Location:
Tunnel View
Location:
Website:
Rating:
5.0

From Yosemite Valley El Portal Entrance (13 mi): Head northeast on El Portal Rd. El Portal Rd turns slightly right and becomes Southside Dr. Slight right onto CA-41 S/Wawona Rd. Turn right.

Tunnel View is a scenic viewpoint on State Route 41 in Yosemite National Park. Visitors have seen and documented the iconic and expansive views of Yosemite Valley from the overlook since its opening in 1933. Internationally renowned artists to casual tourists have painted, drawn, and photographed the dramatic scenery from here and nearby vantage points since the 19th century.

The large viewpoint area is located directly east of the Wawona Tunnel portal, as one enters Yosemite Valley from points south. The view looks eastward into Yosemite Valley, and includes surrounding features, such as the southwest face of El Capitan on the left, Half Dome on axis, and Bridalveil Fall on the right.

ManuRoquette, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted

For many arriving by road, this is the stunning first view, upon suddenly exiting the long and dark tunnel, of Yosemite Valley and its setting. A turn out with parking lot accommodates leaving vehicles behind, to take it all in. The trailhead, for the hiking trail up and south to Inspiration Point, is located here.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Tunnel View", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0

This article uses material from nps.gov "Yosemite National Park"