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Tunnel View is a
Tunnel View is a scenic viewpoint
A scenic viewpoint – also called an observation point, viewpoint, viewing point, vista point, lookout, scenic overlook,These terms are more commonly used in North America. etc. – is an elevated location where people can view scenery (often ...
on California State Route 41
State Route 41 (SR 41) is a state highway in California, connecting the Central Coast with the San Joaquin Valley and the Sierra Nevada. Its western terminus is at the Cabrillo Highway ( SR 1) in Morro Bay, and its eastern terminus is at ...
in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park ( ) is an American national park in California, surrounded on the southeast by Sierra National Forest and on the northwest by Stanislaus National Forest. The park is managed by the National Park Service and covers an ...
. Visitors have seen and documented the iconic and expansive views of Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley ( ; ''Yosemite'', Miwok for "killer") is a glacial valley in Yosemite National Park in the western Sierra Nevada mountains of Central California. The valley is about long and deep, surrounded by high granite summits such as ...
from the overlook since its opening in 1933.
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
El Capitan ( es, El Capitán; "the Captain" or "the Chief") is a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. The granite monolith is about from base to summit along its tallest ...
on the left, Half Dome
Half Dome is a granite dome at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. It is a well-known rock formation in the park, named for its distinct shape. One side is a sheer face while the other three sides are smoot ...
on axis, and Bridalveil Fall on the right.
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.
See also
* National Register of Historic Places listings in Yosemite National Park * Index: Yosemite National ParkReferences
History of Mariposa County, California Tourist attractions in Mariposa County, California National Park Service rustic in Yosemite National Park 1933 establishments in California {{Yosemite-stub