Photograph Yosemite's Tunnel View

Mariposa County, California

4.3/5

based on 17 reviews

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Added by Andy Best

Tunnel view is a quick drive from the valley. There is parking on both sides of the road, so get be sure to have your camera ready to go.

Tunnel View sets you up for an iconic view of some of the major highlights of the Yosemite valley including Bridal Veil Falls, El Capitan and Half Dome in the distance. To access the viewpoint, from Northside Dr., turn right onto Wawona Rd. You'll continue on Wawona Rd. up until you see you parking areas on both sides of the road and a tunnel right in front of you. Depending on availability, choose either side of the parking area. You can also circle back around and park just prior to either parking lot on the side of the road.

This area can get pretty crowded during the summer months, so get there early so you have time to set up and pick your spot.

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Photograph Yosemite's Tunnel View Reviews

Explorer

Kyle Frost

Explorer

Photograph Yosemite's Tunnel View

10/09/15

The always crowded, always beautiful vista of Yosemite Valley. Photography-wise, definitely try and be here for sunrise when there are less people around. PRO TIP: The iconic "Clearing Winter Storm" shot by Ansel Adams was actually shot from Artist Point (a couple hundred feet above Tunnel View). The trailhead starts on the hill just behind the parking lot, and after a short hike, you're likely to have that view all to yourself!

4.0

Explorer

Allison Herreid

Explorer

Photograph Yosemite's Tunnel View

09/26/15

Great place for sunrise - often pretty crowded.

4.0

Luan Baruti

Photograph Yosemite's Tunnel View

08/08/15

Neat view, very accesible and can be kinda crowded.

4.0

Jasper Wiggins

Photograph Yosemite's Tunnel View

04/16/15

It can be a little windy up there, bring a jacket! Also, if you like to draw / paint, you can park in the lot, and walk to the wall surrouding it (facing the valley) and work up there for hours. On full moon nights you'll see a number of photographers that set up for long shots here too.

Team

Tyler Drake

Team

Photograph Yosemite's Tunnel View

04/12/15

Stunning view of the valley! Even though it can get a little crowded, you should be able to find your spot to take it in. There's parking on the right side of the street as you head up the hill, before you hit the parking lot. I'd recommend taking one of those as the lost fills up quick.

4.0

Jenny Goyne

Photograph Yosemite's Tunnel View

01/23/15

Time it for a moonrise in the middle of the valley!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Backpack Yosemite's South Rim

Step 1: Get Wilderness Permit from the Wilderness Office the day before! Permits are free and required. This trail is a Point-to-Point trail so make sure you have a shuttle situation figured out (or you can always hitch hike). The best option is to get dropped off at Tunnel View so that you don't have to find parking or find a way to get your car after the hike. I would also suggest starting i...

Hike to Artist Point in Yosemite National Park

Park at the Tunnel View parking lot. The Pohono Trail, which you fill follow for the first half mile, starts on the left side of Wawona Tunnel. You should notice a small path starting from the parking lot. The trail quickly ascends up a series of switchbacks before reaching a junction. If you continue straight and follow the Pohono Trail, you will eventually (after 12 miles) reach Glacier P...

Hike from Tunnel View to Glacier Point

Beginning at 4400 feet of elevation in the bottom of Yosemite Valley, this trail will take you up about 3000 feet over 13 miles. You'll finish the hike at Glacier Point and be richly rewarded with one of the most spectacular views of Half Dome in the park.If you are interested in seeing landmarks such as Half Dome, Sentinel and Cathedral Rocks, or El Capitan, gorgeous waterfalls like Vernal, Ne...

Hike to Inspiration Point in Yosemite NP

Inspiration Point is a granite slab located on the mountainside above Tunnel View. Hiking to this scenic point will provide you with the same views you would get from Tunnel View with less people around. Hiking this trail can also take you to different parts of Yosemite if you're so inclined (Bridalveil Falls, Dewey Point, Taft Point, etc - just remember your wilderness permit). To get to the t...

Dewey Point via Tunnel View

Dewey Point lies on the western side of the Pohono Trail, across the valley from El Capitan and above Cathedral Rocks. When I was there in September, it was deserted but for a few birds drifting on the thermals above the cliffs. The sunset was stunning. It felt like there was nothing between me and John Muir's cathedral. There's a number of ways you can reach Dewey Point—from Glacier or Taft P...

Photographing Valley View

Valley View is a must stop viewpoint in Yosemite National Park. Most people visit Valley View on their way out of the park as it is the last stop, located along the one-way Northside Drive. Look for a small parking area to your left just before Pohono Bridge. There are only about a dozen parking spots, but people come and go so often that finding a spot shouldn’t be a problem.The second you s...

Photograph Yosemite's Tunnel View

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Photograph Yosemite's Tunnel View Reviews

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Backpack Yosemite's South Rim

Hike to Artist Point in Yosemite National Park

Hike from Tunnel View to Glacier Point

Hike to Inspiration Point in Yosemite NP

Dewey Point via Tunnel View

Photographing Valley View

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