Tunnel View is a roadside scenic overlook located just outside the Wawona Tunnel on Highway 41 in Yosemite National Park, California. The viewpoint provides panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. This 2026 visitor guide covers access times, park entrance fees, how to get there, parking information, accessibility details, what to see, and practical tips for planning your visit.
Tunnel View is one of the key stops on a Yosemite day tour from San Francisco.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Access hours | Open 24 hours daily year-round |
| Park entrance fee | $35 per vehicle (valid 7 days) | $30 per motorcycle (valid 7 days) | $20 per person on foot/bicycle (valid 7 days) |
| Location | Highway 41 (Wawona Road), just east of Wawona Tunnel |
| Distance from Yosemite Valley | Approximately 8 miles from Yosemite Valley Visitor Center |
| Time needed | 15 to 30 minutes (longer for photography) |
| Hiking required | None (accessible from parking area) |
Tunnel View access hours
Tunnel View is accessible 24 hours a day, year-round. The viewpoint is located on Highway 41, which remains open throughout the year, though winter weather may occasionally affect road conditions. There are no gates or specific opening hours at Tunnel View itself.
The best times to visit are early spring when Bridalveil Fall is at peak flow, and winter when granite domes are covered in snow. Sunrise and sunset provide optimal lighting for photography.
Why book the Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias day trip from San Francisco?
- Visit Yosemite’s iconic landscapes: See famous natural wonders such as Yosemite Valley, granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls in one unforgettable day.
- See giant sequoia trees: Walk among some of the world’s largest and oldest trees, offering a humbling experience amid ancient forest giants.
- Expert local guide: Knowledgeable guides share insights on geology, ecology and the park’s natural history throughout the tour.
- Comfortable round-trip transport: Includes direct travel from San Francisco so you can enjoy the scenery without arranging your own logistics.
- Perfect for nature lovers: A full-day immersion in one of America’s most beloved national parks, ideal if you want a comprehensive Yosemite experience in a single outing.
Yosemite National Park entrance fees
Access to Tunnel View requires payment of Yosemite National Park entrance fees. A private vehicle pass costs $35 and is valid for seven consecutive days. This fee covers the vehicle and all passengers. Motorcycle entry costs $30 for seven days. Visitors entering on foot or bicycle pay $20 per person aged 16 and over for seven days; children aged 15 and under enter free.
The Yosemite Annual Pass costs $70 and provides unlimited entry for 12 months. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass costs $80 and covers entry to all US national parks and federal recreation lands for 12 months. Senior, military, and disability passes are available at reduced rates or free. Entrance fees are paid at park entrance stations and cannot be purchased online in advance. The park does not accept cash; credit and debit cards only.
As of January 2026, non-US residents aged 16 and over must pay an outrageous $100 per person extra fee, unless they have a non-resident America the Beautiful Annual Pass. These cost $250.
Entrance fees and information were checked and updated in January 2026.
How to get to Tunnel View
Tunnel View is located on Highway 41 (Wawona Road) approximately 8 miles from Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. The overlook is at the eastern end of the Wawona Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in California at 4,230 feet. Visitors approaching from Yosemite Valley drive southwest on Wawona Road; the parking areas appear immediately after exiting the tunnel. Visitors entering the park from the south via the South Entrance near Wawona reach Tunnel View before entering Yosemite Valley, approximately 13 miles from the entrance station.
Yosemite Valley Shuttle does not serve Tunnel View. Visitors must drive or join a commercial tour. The nearest major airports are Fresno Yosemite International Airport (approximately 100 miles south) and San Francisco International Airport (approximately 190 miles west). Check current road conditions before travelling, particularly in winter when snow may affect Highway 41.
Without your own car, the easiest way to visit is on a Yosemite day tour from San Francisco.
Parking at Tunnel View
Two parking areas are located on both sides of Highway 41 immediately after the Wawona Tunnel. Both lots accommodate cars, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and tour buses. During summer months, an estimated 5,000 people visit Tunnel View daily, and parking spaces fill quickly, particularly between 10:00 and 16:00. Spaces typically become available within a few minutes as many visitors stop briefly for photographs before continuing.
Accessible parking spaces are available in both parking areas. Arrive early in the morning or during weekday afternoons to avoid the busiest periods. Late afternoon provides good lighting for photography as the sun illuminates the valley. There are no restrooms or drinking water at Tunnel View. The nearest facilities are in Yosemite Valley.
How long to spend at Tunnel View
Most visitors spend 15 to 30 minutes at Tunnel View, sufficient time to view the panorama and take photographs. Photographers often spend several hours at sunrise, sunset, or during clear weather conditions. The viewing platform is a short walk from the parking areas on paved surfaces. Visitors can combine Tunnel View with other nearby attractions including Bridalveil Fall (5-minute drive) and Yosemite Valley (15-minute drive).
Accessibility at Tunnel View
Tunnel View features an accessible paved viewing platform with designated accessible parking spaces in both parking lots. The viewpoint is visible from the parking area or accessed via a short paved path. A bronze tactile model of Yosemite Valley is located near the overlook, providing a three-dimensional representation of the valley features for visually impaired visitors. The viewing area underwent renovations in 2008 including expanded accessible viewing areas, improved traffic flow, and educational exhibits.
The site has no restrooms, drinking water, or picnic facilities. Visitors requiring accessible facilities should plan accordingly. The nearest accessible restrooms are in Yosemite Valley, approximately 8 miles northeast. The paved surface allows wheelchair users to access the main viewing area without difficulty.
What to see at Tunnel View
The panoramic view from Tunnel View encompasses the length of Yosemite Valley, framed by sheer granite cliffs. El Capitan, the 3,000-foot vertical rock formation, dominates the left side of the view. Half Dome, Yosemite’s iconic granite dome rising 4,800 feet from the valley floor, appears in the distance at the centre-right of the vista. Bridalveil Fall, a 620-foot waterfall, cascades down the right side of the valley and is most impressive during spring snowmelt.
The valley floor below features meadows, forests, and the Merced River winding through the landscape. Cathedral Rocks rise on the right side of the valley opposite El Capitan. The view changes throughout the year: spring brings high-volume waterfalls, summer offers lush green valleys, autumn provides golden foliage, and winter presents snow-covered peaks and frozen waterfalls.
The Pohono Trail trailhead is located at the back of the upper parking area. This trail leads to Glacier Point (13 miles one way, strenuous), Inspiration Point (2.5 miles round trip with 1,000 feet elevation gain), and Artist Point (1 mile round trip with 500 feet elevation gain). These overlooks provide similar but elevated views of the valley with fewer crowds.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Arrive before 08:00 or after 17:00 to avoid peak crowds and traffic, particularly during summer months and autumn weekends. |
| Park entrance stations advise arriving before 08:00 to avoid hour-long delays entering Yosemite Valley during busy periods. |
| Bring water and snacks as no facilities or services are available at Tunnel View. |
| Use restrooms in Yosemite Valley or at park entrance stations before visiting Tunnel View. |
| Check current park alerts and road conditions on the National Park Service website before travelling, especially in winter. |
| Do not block the roadway while waiting for parking spaces; continue circling as spaces open frequently. |
| For the best photography lighting, visit during late afternoon when the sun illuminates the valley from behind the viewing area. |
| Early spring (March to May) provides the best waterfall flow, while winter offers snow-covered landscapes and fewer visitors. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Tunnel View suitable for children? | Yes, Tunnel View is accessible and safe for children. The viewing area is fenced and set back from the road. No hiking or strenuous activity is required. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | No advance booking is required for Tunnel View. However, Yosemite National Park entrance fees must be paid at park entrance stations. Peak-season entry reservations may be required; check the park website. |
| Is Tunnel View accessible in winter? | Yes, Highway 41 is typically maintained year-round. Winter conditions may occasionally close the road temporarily; check current road status before travelling. |
| Are restrooms available? | No, there are no restrooms, drinking water, or facilities at Tunnel View. The nearest restrooms are in Yosemite Valley, approximately 8 miles away. |
| How long does a visit take? | Most visitors spend 15 to 30 minutes at Tunnel View. Photographers may stay several hours for optimal lighting conditions. |
| Is there wheelchair access? | Yes, the paved viewing platform is wheelchair-accessible with designated parking spaces and a short paved path from the parking areas. |
Things to do near Tunnel View
Bridalveil Fall is a 5-minute drive (1.5 miles) from Tunnel View towards Yosemite Valley. A paved trail leads 0.5 miles round trip to the base of the 620-foot waterfall, accessible to most visitors. Yosemite Valley contains numerous attractions including Yosemite Falls, Mirror Lake, El Capitan Meadow and the Ahwahnee Hotel, all within a 15-minute drive. The Yosemite Valley Visitor Center provides exhibits, ranger programs, and park information.
Glacier Point, accessible via Glacier Point Road (seasonal, typically late May to November), provides elevated views of Half Dome and the High Sierra. The drive from Tunnel View to Glacier Point takes approximately 1.5 hours. Mariposa Grove, the park’s largest sequoia grove containing over 500 mature giant sequoias, is a 1-hour drive south from Tunnel View via Highway 41. Tuolumne Grove is a big tree alternative.
Sentinel Dome and Taft Point trailheads, accessed via Glacier Point Road, offer moderate hikes to panoramic viewpoints. Sentinel Beach is a good picnic spot if you just want to take in the views.
More California travel
Other California travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Inside Hearst Castle – the most expensive home ever built.
- The Grove of the Titans – seeing giant redwoods in Jebediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
- The best times to spot Roosevelt Elk at Elk Meadow in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
- Why you should take the drive up through the Eastern Sierra to Whitney Portal.
- Complete guide to day tours to Monterey and Carmel from San Francisco.
