Yosemite, Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park

This is the first spot you will see when you arrive at the valley. You drive through the 1 mile long rock tunnel and you can park RIGHT away on the left (or right a bit further), and walk directly to this absolutely breathtaking view of the entire valley. It might be the best view in Yosemite, despite how popular it is (and sometimes my favorite spots are the spots less trafficked). It is a great spot to be for at night (to see the stars), or at sunrise/sunset.

You need to be prepared for this as you drive in, as its right at the mouth of the tunnel. This is somewhere I would highly recommend stopping as it gives the most fantastic views of the whole valley. If you get the sun right, this is a wonderous view. It does get very busy and there are not many parking spots, so best to get here early if you can. My pics are from ~4pm (going in) and ~9am (going out) in June.

The most breathtaking view of El Capitan I’ve seen. I visited this place for the first time and it was an amazing experience. Every second I’ve spent there in Yosemite Valley was wonderful and the views are absolutely stunning and beautiful. The drive was also amazing as we can see the massive foliage of the trees and winding roads. The tunnel view is the most visited and popular place in Yosemite valley. It’d take at least 3 days to cover the entire valley with its ever lasting vistas and view points but one can cover the popular spots in a day. I’d definitely recommend a visit. 🙂

I went to the Tunnel View for sunset, but got there a bit late, when the last glow was almost gone. There were lots of tourists and photographers there waiting for that perfect view and moment, if there was a full moon, that would be our luck, unfortunately, it was only a half moon night! One thing was fun for me, as I got a spicy tuna poke bowl from Yosemite Lodge Basecamp restaurant, and it was really perfect to enjoy the dinner with a million $ sunset view in the car, when most tourists left. What a moment!!! Cheers!

This view point is just right outside of the tunnel so be prepared to turn into the parking lots on either side of the road after you exit from the tunnel. You can see the major granite cliffs with El Capitan on the front left, Bridalveil Fall on the right, and Half Dome in the distance. This vintage point is so iconic that you must not miss it. There is also a bronze 3-D model of the entire Yosemite Valley.