This week in history!
June 14, 2026 – Yosemite National Park officials announce that on June 10, 1933, the Wawona Tunnel was dedicated after nearly two years of construction. Crews bored entirely from the east side of the mountain, using immense amounts of blasting power to shatter the solid granite rock and create the 0.8-mile route connecting Wawona Road, the continuation of Highway 41, to Yosemite Valley. The project cost $850,000 (about $12.5 million today).
The Wawona Tunnel was designed to replace a steep, narrow stage road and provide safer access for automobiles. At the time, the tunnel held the record as the longest automobile tunnel in the world. Today, it is still the longest highway tunnel in California.
The light at the end of this tunnel leads to the aptly named Tunnel View, a breathtaking vista that introduces views of Yosemite Valley. At the peak of summer, 5,000 to 7,000 people stop at this point per day. Parking lots at the vista are extremely limited, especially on weekends and at midday. For the best way to get a gorgeous view without the crowds, visit on a weekday at sunrise or sunset.
These historic images are from the park archives and are accessible in NPGallery at: https://npgallery.nps.gov/YOSE.
Source & photos: NPS
