Tunnel View

{{Short description|Scenic overlook on SR-41 in Yosemite National Park}}

File:Tunnel View, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite NP - Diliff.jpg

Tunnel View is a scenic viewpoint located on California State Route 41 in Yosemite National Park, United States. Since its opening in 1933, it has offered visitors iconic, expansive views of Yosemite Valley, making it one of the park's most renowned viewpoints.{{cite web|url=https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/scenic-vistas-tunnel-view.htm|work=Yosemite National Park|title=Scenic Vistas — the Wawona Tunnel View|publisher=National Park Service|access-date=2013-07-04}}{{cite web |title=Tunnel View |url=https://www.nps.gov/places/000/tunnel-view.htm |website=National Park Service |access-date=2023-12-17}}

The large viewpoint area is located directly east of the Wawona Tunnel portal, as one enters Yosemite Valley from points south. The view looks eastward into Yosemite Valley, and includes surrounding features, such as the southwest face of El Capitan on the left, Half Dome on axis, and Bridalveil Fall on the right.{{cite news |title=New Tunnel Gives New Yosemite Park Vista |url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=HT19330610.2.44&srpos=5&e=-------en--20--1--txt-txIN-yosemite+tunnel+view------- |newspaper=Healdsburg Tribune |number=179 |date=10 June 1933 |access-date=2023-12-17}}

For many arriving by road, this is the stunning first view, upon suddenly exiting the long and dark tunnel, of Yosemite Valley and its setting. A turn out with parking lot accommodates leaving vehicles behind, to take it all in. The trailhead, for the hiking trail up and south to Inspiration Point, is located here.

File:Thomas Ayres Drawing of Yosemite Valley.jpgWawona Tunnel’s east end lies less than 1,500 feet from of Artist Point, where Thomas Ayres drew the first picture of Yosemite Valley in 1855.{{Cite journal|last=Hartesveldt|first=Richard J.|date=1955|title=Yosemite Valley Place Names|journal=Yosemite Nature Notes|url=https://www.yosemite.ca.us/library/yosemite_valley_place_names/|access-date=28 December 2024}}