Tunnel View Yosemite is an amazing and unique experience you will never forget! It’s like stepping into a postcard, with its breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley.
Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth time visiting this spot, the awe-inspiring landscape will leave you feeling overwhelmed.
The perfect mix of majestic mountains, lush forests, and deep canyons make for an unforgettable experience. Take in the moment, soak up the beauty, and revel in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – Tunnel View Yosemite!
1. The Amazing Beauty of Tunnel View Yosemite Valley.
You are zooming past the other vehicles in the dark tunnel, waiting for the amazing views. As the tunnel ends, you will explore the mesmerizing picture-perfect scenery of Tunnel View Yosemite.
From personal experience, it feels like entering into a beautiful portrait. As you absorb the beauty, it becomes more and more beautiful and it’s just wow!
2. History of Tunnel View Yosemite National Park.
The Wawona Tunnel is popularly known as the scenic Tunnel View. Its construction was finished in April 1933. When the park visitors enter from the south entrance of the tunnel, they get an unforgettable view of Yosemite Valley.
You have to keep patience while crossing the yellow light-lit tunnel. As the tunnel ends the view in front of you is just epic! It makes travelling through the tunnel worth it.
The Tunnel View scenic overlook is an important historic site. The tunnel view is located adjacent to Wawona Road. It provides expansive views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome.
The Tunnel View Yosemite has approx tens of millions of park visitors yearly. The views are breathtaking. It gives you an insight into the pristine granite walls, surrounding Yosemite Valley. The Tunnel View was renovated in 2008 and re-dedicated in October.
3. Things to know before Visiting Tunnel View Yosemite.
3.1 Tunnel View Yosemite is a scenic viewpoint. It is part of Yosemite National Park. It offers jaw-dropping views of the Yosemite valley floor.
3.2 As you exit the tunnel, be ready in advance. Thus, you will not miss the picturesque view that is about to come in front of you.
3.3 The Tunnel View Yosemite viewpoint is located just beside Wawona road, so the parking lot is quite small. On average around 5,000 and 7,000 people visit it per day. Especially during the peak tourist season.
3.4 There are no certain fees charged for using the Wawona Tunnel. The parking area is also accessible for free. Though there is an entry fee chargeable at Yosemite National Park.
3.5 The main point to keep in mind when visiting Tunnel is to avoid peak times. There might be no available parking. During peak season it does get crowded.
3.6 If you find that it is too busy at Tunnel View and you still manage to get a parking area. You can get going to enjoy your awe-inspiring views.
3.7 For an alternate option opt for a short hike to Artist Point. There are good views from the Artist’s point too.
3.8 There is a raised map, which shows your exact location in the valley. The map has impressive details of the valley and waterfalls. It is a unique map, one of its kind.
4. What is the best time to visit Tunnel View, Yosemite?
The best time to arrive at Tunnel View is mid-day. This time can fetch you the right pictures of the scene. During mid-day, when the sun shines through the west, it casts probably the most shadows. These are the most defining view of Tunnel View Yosemite. Nevertheless, you probably want to enjoy it without too much crowd.
So take the winding trail to Inspiration Point. It starts nearby. This viewpoint is an overgrown walk away. Though it is a not-too-difficult walkway. It ended up being made obsolete because of the building of the Wawona Tunnel. Here, through the top, you will enjoy the most sweeping vistas of Yosemite from a few unobstructed viewpoints.
Even the views during the late afternoon create an exemplary design, of the natural relief features. The changing lights during sunset also seem to change the colors of the rock structures.
5. How To Reach Tunnel View, Yosemite?
You need to check the official website, to reach Tunnel View. Tunnel View, Yosemite is obtainable by automobile, bus, bicycle, or walking.
For folks who go to Tunnel View, please be safe while walking over the road, Be very careful with the children. Since Wawona road tends to be busy all the time.
You can avail of bus services from many cities all through California.
6. What you will see at Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park?
When you visit Tunnel View Yosemite at an obvious time, you’ll see: El Capitan, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, Cathedral Rocks, Glacier Point, and Bridalveil Fall. All sitting above a pine-carpeted valley cut by the Merced River while you scan left (north) to right (south) from Tunnel View into Yosemite Valley.
There has been very little physical change occurred here. The natural relief features still look beautiful as when Ansel Adams captured the beautiful scenery in his photos.
6.1 El Capitan- The Grand Granite Monolith.
El Capitan is the Spanish for “the captain/the chief”. It forms a main part of the tunnel view’s physical features. It is a vertical rock formation, made of granite. It is situated on the north side of Yosemite Valley. This place is famous for its natural rustic design style.
The grand granite monolith structure is a very popular target to achieve for rock climbers. There have been solo climbing, speed climbing, etc, even many women climbers have been here. Though, base jumping is under strict restriction by Yosemite National Park service here.
6.2 Half Dome- A Beautiful Granite Dome.
Half Dome is a unique granite dome. It is among the most popular scenic overlooks at Tunnel View Yosemite, well known for its peculiar shape. It is situated at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley, a part of Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park, California.
The structure has a sharp face on one side, while others are round. It appears like a dome cut in half, thus getting its name. It looks amazing from the viewing areas at Tunnel View, Yosemite.
6.3 Bridalveil fall- an amazingly beautiful fall.
Bridalveil Fall looks like a beautiful white shining veil of a beautiful bride. It looks even more beautiful from the viewing area at Tunnel View, Yosemite. The major physical changes that occurred in Yosemite valley, spawned over thousand of years. This led to the formation of this beautiful fall.
On a clear day, there are panoramic views of these magical waterfalls from the Tunnel View. If you want an even better view climb up the hiking trail. You get amazing photos with the Bridaveil Falls in the background, from a higher viewpoint.
6.4 Glacier Point-What an amazing view!
The views from Glacier Point are too amazing. It leaves you wondering whether it is real or not! A plus point is it requires very less hiking, too easy peasy in comparison to climbing the top of Half Dome. When you visit here at Yosemite National park, you will fall in love with this beautiful place. Arrive early to escape crowd and enjoy some serene beauty in peace.
With that said, it is also a good place for skiing. It gets a lot of visitors. You can reach here by car. There are tour buses that operate only when Glacier Point roads are open. You can choose to park your vehicle at parking lots at the park itself. Then take a self-tour here. You can look at the map, made by the national park service, at every few points. It helps you know your exact position at Tunnel View Yosemite Valley.
7. The Best Season To Visit Tunnel View, Yosemite.
Spring season is certainly best to check out Tunnel View, Yosemite. Why? At the onset of spring, the snow starts to melt. It leads to dramatic displays that are aquatic on all sides of Yosemite Valley. Visitors tend to visit here the most during spring.
The winter season also brings amazing snow-covered views with each violent storm that is certainly passing. It doesn’t matter what period, it is always beautiful. Sunrise is a time that is popular experience Tunnel View.
Even during bad weather, Tunnel View Yosemite is worth a visit. When you visit during a clearing storm, you can witness the moving clouds. It seems they are playing a beautiful game of hide and seek.
8. Which months have the best view of Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park?
Tunnel View Scenic overlook changes every single month. The most readily useful months to see Tunnel View tend to be March, April, and May. During these months Bridalviel Fall is at it is peak flow.
During the winter months, that is November, December, and January, the stunning granite domes at Tunnel View Yosemite are draped in snow and mist. The Half Dome and Sentinel Dome look amazingly scenic covered in snow.
9. Best Sunrise Photos at Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park.
Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park and Yosemite Valley is the favourite spot for professional photographers and new budding photographers. If you are among them, you should be contemplating having a sunrise photo of Tunnel View. You need to be prepared for the sun’s rays to shine directly into the camera.
The inclusion of Tunnel View Yosemite scenery is certainly great for your photo collection. Nonetheless, be equipped for the foreground to become a silhouette. Great images are feasible at Tunnel View at sunrise if there are enough clouds in the sky to capture along with. Capturing the most perfect shot sometimes becomes frustrating when it comes to new photographers. However, without clouds, you will find yourself shooting into a brilliant sky, at shaded subjects.
The Tunnel View Yosemite remains on top of the most important historic site. You can visit here as a history buff or a natural beauty lover. Many scenes are throwing impressive details, about the past and the natural beauty preserved here.
10. General Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Q. 1 What is the name of the tunnel in Yosemite?
Answer: It is known as the Wawona tunnel view in Yosemite. It is a highway tunnel in Yosemite.
Q. 2 How long is the Tunnel View in Yosemite?
Answer: The Tunnel View Yosemite i.e., the Wawona Tunnel is about 3 miles long.
Q. 3 Which is the best view in Yosemite Valley?
Answer: The Tunnel View, Yosemite is the best viewing area in Yosemite Valley.
11. Conclusion.
Tunnel View Yosemite is the most amazing scenery you will ever come across in your life. It captures you completely in its beauty. It always surprises you. Every time you visit here, it always feels like you are viewing it for the first. So, whenever you pass from here, take out some time to rest here. Admire how beautiful nature is..for it is splendid here.
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Last Updated on April 5, 2023 by Laveleena Sharma
