Tunnel View Overlook Rehabilitation

Tunnel View scenic overlook was constructed in 1933 during the Public Works era. This era heralded a boom in design and development throughout the National Park Service, and helped initiate the park service rustic design style. Wawona Tunnel and Tunnel View were determined eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 because of their exemplary park service. Very little physical change has occurred to Tunnel View's features (including rockwork, circulation patterns, and configuration) since it was built in 1933. The site is the most popular scenic overlook in Yosemite National Park. Tour buses, tram tours, and single-family vehicles bring an estimated 5-7,000 people to the site per day during the height of the tourist season. Explosive views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Clouds Rest have captured the awe of visitors at this site for nearly seventy-five years.

The purpose of the Tunnel View Rehabilitation Project is to remedy long-standing vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian safety issues, to correct drainage deficiencies and problems, to provide clear circulation patterns for pedestrians and vehicles, to enhance and maintain viewing opportunities for visitors, to provide accessibility to viewing areas, to correct safety problems associated with the Inspiration Point trailhead, and to address sanitation issues, while maintaining the naturalistic, rustic character and integrity of this historic site.