Hike-in Required
No
ADA accessible
No
Guided tours
No
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Perhaps made most famous by Ansel Adams*, the vantage of Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View is recognizable world round, regardless of whether you have ever stepped foot in Yosemite National Park.

Just east of the Wawona Tunnel on CA Hwy 41 and at the far western edge of Yosemite Valley, the viewpoint is perched 500 feet above the valley floor. It provides a framed view of many of the park's most iconic and famous granite rock formations including El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Dome and Cathedral Rocks, as well as Bridalveil Falls. 

* Ansel Adams first visited Yosemite National Park in 1916 at the age of 14. He later wrote in regards to his first view of Yosemite Valley that "the splendor of Yosemite burst upon us and it was glorious...One wonder after another descended upon us...There was light everywhere...A new era began for me."

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Pros

Iconic Yosemite Valley viewpoint.

Cons

Crowds.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Features

Big vistas

Location

Comments

03/30/2017
Nice sunset colors at Tunnel View, March 2017.
10/10/2016
Great series of photos showing this perspective throughout the seasons, Patrick!
09/04/2016
Summer sunrise brings awesome rays of light and glowing peaks
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