Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular things to do in the park. You can expect to see spectacular views of Yosemite Valley including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall.
TL;DR Don’t have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip
Tunnel View - Yosemite National Park
A visit to Yosemite National Park would not be complete without stopping at Tunnel View.
Trust me when I say you do not want to miss this epic view! It is the view you see on Yosemite Postcards, on the cover of books and really on everything.
This is your chance to have your own postcard photo.
Where is Tunnel View?
If you are wondering how to get to Tunnel View Yosemite National Park don't worry it is really easy to find!
Yosemite Tunnel View is located just past the Wawona Tunnel on State Highway 41.
Wawona Road/Highway 41 is the main road that runs from Oakhurst, California to the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park and connects to the Yosemite Valley loop road (Southside and Northside Drive).
There are two parking lots one on each side of Highway 41. Each of the parking areas offer great views. One thing to know is in the main parking area the middle spaces are for tour buses. They will ask you to move if you park in a bus stop.
If there are no parking spots when you arrive you may want to pop down to Bridalveil Fall to explore and then head back up to Tunnel View.
If you are traveling from within Yosemite Valley you will head 1.6 south on Wawona Road (Route 41) from the junction with Southside Drive. You will pass the parking area for Bridalveil Fall on your left.
You may see/hear Tunnel View also called Wawona Tunnel View since the view happens right after you pass through the Wawona Tunnel.
What can you do at Tunnel View?
Yosemite Valley Tunnel View was made famous by Ansel Adams. His 1935 photograph Clearing Winter Storm showed the world just how epic Yosemite National Park is.
From Tunnel View, you can look out at Yosemite Valley and gaze in wonder.
The best part is there is no hiking required! The hardest thing some days is finding a parking space. Once you have a parking space you can walk up to the overlook.
Tunnel View is one of our top things to do in Yosemite! Honestly, the view is truly that epic.
Photography Tips for Tunnel View
One of our biggest photography tips is to make sure you move around the overlook.
Each angle provides a different look over the valley.
In the morning Yosemite Valley is back-lit which brings out amazing shadows.
In the afternoon the sunlight provides light across the valley which is a totally different look.
We suggest visiting at different times during the day to see how the view changes.
If you visit at sunset don't be surprised to see photographers lined up with tripods and epic gear trying to get an amazing photo.
You may have to maneuver through a crowd to get a spot if you do not arrive early for sunset.
Each of the photos of Tunnel View in this post was taken at different times of the year and times of day to show how the view changes.
Camera Gear we use
We are big fans of using great camera gear to get amazing photos while traveling.
Canon R5 - We recently upgraded to the R5 after using a Mark 5 for years. We are loving the camera shutter speed and quality of images.
Canon 100 - 500mm - We use the Canon 100-500 for wildlife photography.
Camera Rain Cover - A rain cover will help protect your camera during rain showers but also when photographing waterfalls.
Camera Cleaning Kit - Cameras can get dirty, beat up, and dusty while in the parks. We like having a cleaning kit with us so we can do on the spot touch ups.
Extra Camera Batteries - We suggest always having one or two extra camera batteries with you. There is nothing worse than going to take a shot and the battery dies.
Extra Memory Cards - We use Extreme PRO SanDisk cards
What can you see from Tunnel View?
El Capitan
You can see an amazing view of El Capitan to the left of the overlook.
Bridalveil Fall
From the overlook, you can see Bridalveil Fall on the right side of Yosemite Valley. This is a great viewpoint to see just how big the falls are and how much water is flowing.
Half Dome
Directly in the middle of Yosemite Valley, you can see Half Dome. Depending on the time of day you will see it in shadows or full sun.
On cloudy or foggy days it is not uncommon for Half Dome to disappear from view.
On clear sunny days, you can see Clouds Rest to the left of Half Dome and Sentinel Dome above on the right.
What can't you see from Tunnel View?
While the views over Yosemite Valley are truly epic there are a few highlights that you can't see from the overlook.
You will not see the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Nevada Falls, the Merced River, or Yosemite Falls.
One cool thing you will notice is you can't see any man-made structures from the view. When you look out at the view of Yosemite Valley you can see what Ansel Adams saw back in 1930s.
Tunnel View History
Tunnel View was originally constructed in 1933. The Wawona Tunnel was built to replace a portion of the old wagon road that climbed high across the hill.
The overlook was rededicated on October 24, 2008.
Wawona Tunnel and Tunnel View were determined eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 because of their exemplary design.
In 2008 the overlook had renovations including expanded handicap accessible viewing area, improved traffic flow, educational exhibits, and historic rockwork.
These updates were funded by The Yosemite Fund and the National Park Service as part of the President’s Centennial Initiative.
Details/Information
Tunnel View coordinates: 37.715484, -119.67723 (37° 42′ 55.74″N 119° 40′ 38.02″W)
Additional Yosemite National Park Information & Resources
Yosemite National Park Tours
California Audio Tour Bundle (Get 4 Audio Tours)
⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 days | 🔊Check Rates and Availability
With Shaka Guide's GPS Audio Tours, you are guided to hidden gems and iconic sights. Now, you can explore at your own pace without worrying about keeping up with a tour. Tours include:
- Yosemite's Majestic Beauty
- Death Valley's Unique Geology
- Joshua Tree's otherworldly Landscapes
- Lake Tahoe's Clear Waters
Private Full-Day Fly Fishing for Beginners and Experienced Anglers
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🎣 Check Rates and Availability
Here is your chance to enjoy fly fishing in Yosemite with your private guide! This full-day adventure (Approx. 8 hours) is where you can fish the Tuolumne and Merced River watersheds for Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Golden Trout on the catch-and-release excursion. The tour includes:
- all fly fishing gear, fishing license, Peak Season Reservation, and entrance fees
- round-trip transportation from Yosemite Valley or Groveland
- snacks/lunch
Private Family Hike in Yosemite
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4-6 Hours | 🥾Check Rates and Availability
Experience the monumental scenery of Yosemite on a guided, half-day hike designed especially for families. Choose from a beginning to moderate hike to suit your family's experience level, and embark on a series of trails that wind through the famous natural attractions of either Yosemite Valley or the high country. Enjoy Spectacular views from on of America's favorite National Parks, and stop for a scenic picnic near a stream, lake, or meadow.
4 Days Guided Yosemite Half Dome Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 Days | 🥾Check Rates and Availability
Ready to turn your bucketlist into a brag list? This 4 day Yosemite adventure takes you from secret swimming holes to the iconic half-dome cables without the crowds or the chaos. Every detail is covered, from wilderness permits to those elusive Half Dome Spots. Just bring your personal camping gear including a tent, sleping bag & pad, and headlamp. A full packing list will be provided after you register. With expert guides, chef-style meals, and starry skies, you'll hike, relax, and conquer like a pro!
Check out more great tours of Yosemite. Tours include hiking, snowshoeing, roundtrip tours from San Francisco, and more!
Lodges In Yosemite National Park
Ahwahnee Hotel
🏨Ready to Book the Ahwahnee Hotel -> Click Here
The Ahwahnee Hotel is located in Yosemite Valley and is known throughout the world as one of the most luxurious National Park Lodges.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
🏨Ready to Book the Yosemite Valley Lodge -> Click Here
The Yosemite Valley Lodge is located in the heart of Yosemite National Park and is located close to Yosemite Falls making it a great base for a Yosemite vacation.
Wawona Hotel
🏨Ready to Book the Wawona Hotel -> Click Here
(Currently Closed for repairs). Built in 1856 the Wawona Hotel formerly Big Trees Lodge is on the National Historic Landmark located near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Pioneer History Center in Yosemite National Park.
Curry Village Tent Cabins
🏨Ready to Book the Curry Village Cabins -> Click Here
The Curry Village Tent Cabins are a great option for staying in Yosemite Valley.
Lodges near Yosemite National Park
There are great options for lodging near Yosemite National Park. We are huge fans of staying in Oakhurst, California and entering the park from the southern entrance. Here is a few of our favorite places to stay in Oakhurst:
Chateau du Sureau
🏨Ready to Book the Chateau du Sureau -> Click Here
Exceptional 5-star luxury accommodations south of Yosemite National Park. Includes breakfast, feww WIFI, pet friendly, air conditioning and much more! Also has an incredible restaurant o-site and a spa!
The Pines Resort at Bass Lake
🏨Ready to Book The Pines Resort -> Click Here
Bass Lake Beachfront Resort with lots of amenities, including Spa services, gym, two restaurants, bar/lounge, Airconditioning and more!
Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn
🏨Ready to Book the Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn -> Click Here
At Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn, you can look forward to a terrace, a playground, and laundry facilities. For some rest and relaxation, visit the 2 hot tubs.
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
🏨Ready to Book The Tenaya Lodge -> Click Here
4-star eco-friendly resort near Yosemite. You can look forward to a poolside bar, a terrace, and shopping on site at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Adventurous travelers may like the rock climbing, snowshoeing, and ice skating at this resort. Indulge in a deep-tissue massage, a body treatment, and aromatherapy at Ascent Spa, the onsite spa
Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$0.00 for Education/Academic Group
$300.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)
$45.00-$125.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)
$125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Yosemite National Park Peak-Hours Reservation Required
A reservation is required to drive into Yosemite between 6:00 AM and 2:00 PM on dates in 2025 listed below:
- May 24 - May 26 (Saturday-Monday)
- June 15 - August 15 (Daily)
- August 30 -September 1) (Saturday - Monday)
During the dates listed above, visitors can enter Yosemite with either of the following:
- Peak Hours Reservation are available through Recreation.gov
- (Click here to get your Peak Hours Reservation) or by calling (877)444-6777
- Wilderness or Half Dome permit
- In-Park camping including Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Camp 4, Wawona, Bridalveil Creek, Hogdon Meadow, Crane Flat, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, Porcupine Flat, and Tuolumne Meadows campgrounds.
- In-Park Lodging including Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Ahwahnee, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, and High Sierra Camps.
- In-Park Vacation Rental in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta.
- Regional transit ot tour group
Additional Peak Hours Reservation information:
- Reservations for all dates were released on May 6, 2025
- Additional Reservations are available on recreation.gov seven days before the arrival date at 8:00 AM PDT.
- There is a $2.00 Non-Refundable fee (This does not include the park's entry fee requirement)
- Each visitor can make one reservation for each three day period. The reservation holder must be in the arriving vehicle and show photo ID at the entrance station.
- Peak Hours Reservations are good for three consecutive days (Including arrival date)
- You can visit the Hetch Hetchy area of the park when it is open (sunrise to sunset) without a reservation.
Additional Yosemite Resources
Yosemite Camping Guide - Check out all of the campgrounds in Yosemite including site photos.
Yosemite Lodging - Check out all the lodges within the park.
One Day Yosemite Itinerary - Check out all the things you don't want to miss if you only have 1 day in the park.
Californa National Parks - Check out all of the parks you can visit while in California.
Yosemite Lodging Guide - Check out all of the great places you can stay within the park
Check out all of the National Parks in California and neighboring National Parks in Oregon, National Parks in Nevada, and National Parks in Arizona.
Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok
Leave a Reply