Tunnel View
Tunnel View
Yosemite NP
Tunnel View is one of the most iconic places to photograph in the US. And visiting here after a snowstorm is witnessing this location in all her glory. Standing in the same place where Ansel Adams stood to create some of his best work is humbling and helps you to understand why he spent so much time in this small valley.
I was fortunate to be standing here with good friend Jeff Davis after a substantial snowstorm provided us with this beautiful photographic opportunity. I rarely publish black-and-white images, but I will make an exception for this scene.
You should try to visit Yosemite in the Winter and experience this magical place. It is like no other place in the world.
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
Trail Difficulty - EASY to HARD
The location of this shot is from the viewing area, which is about 50 ft from the main parking lot to Tunnel View. However, to get here on a morning with fresh snow may be problematic.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
4,399 Ft. Elevation
Photography Tips
From a photography standpoint, this is a layup. From the viewing area - find your composition, wait for the best light, and push the button.
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to Tunnel View
From Yosemite South Entrance - drive on Wawona Rd for 24 miles, where you will see the Wawona Tunnel. Continue through the tunnel and slow down at the end of the tunnel. As soon as you exit the tunnel, you will see a modest-sized parking lot on the left. If you miss the first parking area, there is another small parking area across the road on the right.
NOTE: if you miss the Tunnel View parking areas, you must drive down toward Cathedral Beach, circle back by the Pohono Bridge, and make your way back to Tunnel View from Wawona Rd.
View In Google earth
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 70 mm
Exposure – 13 th sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 50
Date – Nov 6th
Time – 2:07 pm
Best Time of Day to Shoot
You can photograph Tunnel View any time of the day. However, because the shot faces east, I find it best to photograph in the late morning to late afternoon - as the sun fills the valley. Depending on the season, the afternoon sun is in the southwest (in Winter) and the northwest (in Summer).
Another option is photographing the scene after the sun falls behind the western mountain range and the whole valley is in shadow. Mornings are challenging as the scene will be backlit.
Best Time of Year
This scene can be photographed any time of year. In the Spring, Summer, and early Fall, Bridalveil Falls (the waterfall in the center-right of the image) will most likely be running. Chances of snow are best in late Fall, Winter, and sometimes early Spring. In the picture above, we were lucky to have a snowstorm in early November when there was still water from Bridalveil Falls.
The image above was taken on November 6th.
Lens(es) Needed
Tunnel View can be photographed in many different ways. Even though it is a grand vista, the scene is closer than you think - so I would bring lenses ranging from 35 mm to 100 mm.
The image above was taken as a 3-shot vertical pano with a 70 mm equivalent lens.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
Tunnel View is located in Yosemite National Park. As of the writing of this summary (Feb 2024), the entry fee was $35 per vehicle. Once in the park, there are no other permits required.
Yosemite requires a reservation system to drive into or through Yosemite National Park on certain days from April 13 through October 27 (and on the weekends in February). Click here to see the 2024 reservation guidelines.
Direction of the Shot
The shot faces east by northeast at around 75°.
Equipment Needed
I suggest a sturdy tripod. If you visit Yosemite in Winter with snow or ice on the ground, you would greatly benefit from shoe/snow spikes.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
You will NOT BE ALONE at this iconic place. Sometimes, it is so crowded it is hard to find a parking spot or place to stand.
Weather
The weather in Yosemite varies by where you are. The Yosemite Valley is 3,000 - 4,000 ft below the surrounding mountains. This means it may be snowing in the mountains and not in the valley.
Cell Service
Cell service is spotty at best in Yosemite Valley.
Area Guides and Workshops
None