Now that the trees blocking the historic view are gone, the National Park Service in conjunction with the Yosemite Association are going to embark on a much needed makeover to revitalize Tunnel View, one of the most used spots in the park.
NPS: “The historic Tunnel View Overlook will receive a much-needed makeover thanks to the National Park Service Centennial Initiative and partnership with The Yosemite Fund.
Yosemite National Park Superintendent Mike Tollefson said today, “This is an incredible time for national parks in general and Yosemite in particular. This project, restoring one of the most iconic views in the nation, celebrates both the approaching 100th Anniversary of the National Park Service and the 20th Anniversary of The Yosemite Fund. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to undertake this rehabilitation for the benefit of all park visitors.”
“A signature view is about to get even better. The improvements will reestablish the promise of inspiration to those who visit Tunnel View,” said Bob Hansen, President of the nonprofit Yosemite Fund, whose donors are contributing nearly $1.8 million to the $3.3 million project. “It’s an honor to have this project selected as part of the Centennial Challenge and to partner with the National Park Service to improve this historic site.”
The Tunnel View Overlook Rehabilitation Project is designed to remedy safety issues, to correct drainage problems, to provide clear circulation patterns for pedestrians and vehicles, to enhance and maintain viewing opportunities for visitors, to provide accessibility to viewing areas for visitors with disabilities, to correct safety problems associated with the existing Inspiration Point trailhead, and to address sanitation issues while maintaining vistas and the naturalistic, rustic character and integrity of this historic site.
The Tunnel View Overlook is popular scenic viewpoint located adjacent to Wawona Road at the east portal of the Wawona Tunnel. This overlook affords expansive views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome. It was constructed in 1932 during an era that heralded a boom in design and development throughout the National Park Service, and helped initiate the National Park Service’s “rustic” design style. Wawona Tunnel and Tunnel View were determined to be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 because of their exemplary park service rustic design. Very little physical change has occurred to Tunnel View’s physical features (including rockwork, circulation patterns, and configuration) since it was built in 1932. The site remains one of the most popular scenic overlooks in Yosemite National Park. Tour buses, tram tours, and single-family vehicles bring an estimated 5,000-7,000 people to the site per day during the height of the visitor season.
The National Park Centennial Initiative is a 10-year program to reinvigorate America’s national parks and prepare them for a second century. The initiative includes a focus on increased funding for park operations plus a President’s Challenge: up to $100 million a year in federal funds to match $100 million a year in philanthropic donations to the National Park Service.”