How to See Tunnel View – Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park’s most iconic view – and perhaps one of the most famous views in all of the US National Park System – and perhaps the world, is Tunnel View. Originally constructed in 1933, this amazing, world famous viewpoint give you a view of three iconic Yosemite natural landmarks in one jaw-dropping scene – El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Falls. It is easily reached by car and is one of the must-see spots on your Yosemite National Park trip. Let’s take a closer look at Tunnel View.

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Tunnel View – Yosemite National Park Location

Tunnel View is located just a short drive from the main Yosemite Valley area. If you are arriving in Yosemite from the Wawona Road entrance, you will see Tunnel View as you enter the other. All other visitors will need to drive up Wawona Road just a short distance from the valley floor to the parking area for Tunnel View viewpoint.

IMPORTANT: For 2023, there is no longer any permit or timed entry requirements for visiting Yosemite National Park! You’re free to come and go as you wish!

No matter which way you’re coming, there will be parking lots on both sides of the road. Parking can be at a premium as this is one of the most – if not MOST – popular spots in the park. Again, this is a world famous viewpoint and you’ll have visitors enjoying the viewpoint with you from all over the globe! However, this is just a viewpoint, so people are coming and going all the time, so you should be able to quickly find a parking spot with a little patience.

Visiting the Tunnel View viewpoint in Yosemite National Park

The actual viewpoint platform is just a short walk away from the parking area. Once at the viewing area, you’ll be greeting to an amazing view of El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Falls. Don’t forget your camera!

Tunnel View – Best time for Photography

Sunrise? Sunset?

Well, personally, I’ve only been here for sunset and I found it fantastic, even if we didn’t get an ideal sunset (it was pretty cloudy, but still had some pretty colors in the skies). It’s better than sunrise as walls of El Capitan and Half Dome will be illuminated by the setting sun, whereas at sunrise, the peaks will be in shadows.

Alas, if you’re coming here in the morning hours, you’ll also have shadows on the granite walls. For the best photos, come here in the afternoon until sunset.

Where to stay in Yosemite National Park

Whenever I’ve visited Yosemite, I’ve never been able to get reservations in the park. However, the park offers some great choices, including lots of campgrounds, tent cabins, traditional hotel lodging, as well as high-end luxury experiences in the Ahwahnee. You can check availability here, at the official park reservation service.

Otherwise, you’ll have to stay outside the park. That’s what I’ve always done and I’ve never been able to get anything closer than Mariposa, which is do-able, but still pretty far away.

I’ve stayed at the Best Western Yosemite Way Station Mariposa – read my review here. If you want to book this hotel, make your reservation here.

Otherwise, here is a list of other lodging choices in Mariposa. One thing to keep in mind is that if you do stay in the park for sunset, it’s a long, winding road in the dark to Mariposa!

But better yet, you’ll want to look into staying in El Portal, as it’s just outside the park. There are only a few motels in this tiny ‘town’ but the time and effort spent getting in/out of the park would be worth it, I’m sure. I’ve just never been able to get a reservation (I never seem to plan ahead much when I go to Yosemite). Book your stay in El Portal, California.

Have you ever visited Tunnel View in Yosemite? What did you think?