Tunnel View, Yosemite
Yosemite Valley, CA
El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome in one frame. It is the first view of the valley when you arrive on Wawona Road.
Tunnel View sits on California State Route 41, right at the east portal of the Wawona Tunnel, which at about 1,290 m (4,233 feet) is the longest highway tunnel in California. Coming from the south, this is where you first see Yosemite Valley after the drive through the tunnel: the southwest face of El Capitan on the left, Half Dome in the center and Bridalveil Fall on the right. The tunnel and the viewpoint were completed in 1933.
In 2008 the overlook got its first major renovation: trees blocking the view were thinned, accessible viewing areas were added, and parking for cars, RVs and buses was reorganized. In peak season an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 people stop here each day; a few minutes are enough for a photo, and early morning or late afternoon is usually quieter. The trail up to Inspiration Point also starts at the parking area.
- Nearest town
- Yosemite Valley, CA
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 37.7156, -119.6770
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Dry Gulch CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Tunnel View, YosemiteTentsDrinking water
- Indian Flat RV ParkMotorhome stopover10 mi from Tunnel View, YosemiteTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Wawona CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Tunnel View, Yosemite · 97 pitchesTentsCaravansToilets
- Hodgdon Meadow CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Tunnel View, Yosemite · 103 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Yosemite Lakes RV ResortMotorhome stopover16 mi from Tunnel View, Yosemite · 254 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomes
- Lost ClaimCampsite22 mi from Tunnel View, YosemiteTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Tunnel View, Yosemite?
Tunnel View, Yosemite is in Yosemite Valley, CA, at GPS 37.7156, -119.6770. It is about 12 mi from Wawona.
Can you camp near Tunnel View, Yosemite?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Tamarack Flat Campground, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 60 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Tunnel View, Yosemite?
Tunnel View, Yosemite is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Death Valley to Yosemite on the Eastern Sierra, Sequoia and Yosemite and Yosemite end to end: sequoias, Glacier Point and Tioga Road.
What is there to see near Tunnel View, Yosemite?
Places worth a stop nearby: Glacier Point (6 mi), Upper Pines Campground (6 mi), Olmsted Point (12 mi) and Tenaya Lake (14 mi).
When is the best time to visit Tunnel View, Yosemite?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)