An engineer was brought in to study these potential changes. After two years, it was decided that a tunnel should be built through the granite slabs that the old Wawona Road traveled over, heading east into the valley.
About The Tunnel
The construction of Wawona Tunnel began on November 30, 1930 and was formally dedicated on June 10, 1933. The changes to Wawona Road had already been completed up to the tunnel. Upon completion, the Wawona Tunnel was the largest tunnel for vehicles in the west, spanning a distance of 4230 feet. The tunnel is also 28 feet wide and 19 feet in height.
Wawona Tunnel averages a 5% grade with a maximum of a 6% grade. This was a massive excavation and construction project that cost roughly $850,000 at the time. Additionally, not one worker lost their life in the construction of the tunnel. By October 1935, all the modified roads in and around the valley were successfully repaved.
In my opinion, the Wawona Tunnel is the perfect segue from a world of familiarity to a paradise that eclipses one’s imagination. The historical significance of this tunnel has been lost over time. But, once you travel through it, you can really appreciate the foresight that the engineers and supervisors had. It truly adds to the overall magic of Tunnel View and Yosemite Valley.
Tunnel View
Tunnel View is probably the most famous scenic overlook in all of Yosemite National Park. Since the 1930’s, it has been documented, photographed and painted more than any other location in Yosemite. When traveling east on Highway 41 toward Yosemite Valley, you will pass through the Wawona Tunnel and as soon as you come out on the east end of the tunnel, immediately pull into the Tunnel View overlook on the left of the highway.
The overlook has a small parking area for visitors to witness the most breathtaking views of the park. Depending on what time of the year you visit, the parking area is packed causing a long line of cars to backup as they wait for a chance at these majestic views.
It was at Tunnel View where I fell in love with Yosemite. I couldn’t believe the beauty of what was right in front of my eyes. It looked like I had gone back in time or entered another world. I have never seen anything more beautiful than the views from this scenic overlook. I was speechless. Sometimes in life, there are moments where you are lucky to experience majestic beauty. For me, this was one of those moments.
From Tunnel View you can see El Capitan to the left, Clouds Rest, Half Dome and Sentinel Rock in the middle, Sentinel Dome, Cathedral Rocks and Bridalveil Fall to the right.