Most people who have had the opportunity to venture through Yosemite National Park, have driven through the famous and historical Wawona Tunnel. It is part of three main roads in Yosemite Valley, transporting you down to Tunnel View and Yosemite Valley, or up to Wawona and Mariposa Grove on California State Route 41, towards on the south entrance. There isn’t anything more spectacular than driving through Wawona Tunnel to reach one of the most stunning views in the park. The spectacular Tunnel View looks eastward into Yosemite Valley, including the Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall. Here are other great facts about the tunnel:
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Construction of the tunnel began in 1930, and was dedicated in 1933. And everyone who worked on its construction survived.
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It cost $850,000 to construct at the time, equivalent to a cost of 12.5 million today.
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The tunnel was blasted through solid granite bedrock on the mountainside, requiring 275 tons of blasting power.
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It is the longest highway tunnel in California at 4,233 feet (1,290 m) long, or 0.8 miles long, and was once the largest tunnel for vehicles in the west.
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Although not a popular spot, people like and are able to rock climb the tunnel.
Looking for a cabin near this engineering marvel?
Our stunning Redwoods In Yosemite cabins are located in Wawona, at the Southern entrance of Yosemite, and just a few miles from the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Relaxing and private, these fully equipped vacation cabins border the wild and scenic South Fork of The Merced River, the Wawona swinging bridge and Chilnualna Falls (the second highest vertical drop waterfalls in Yosemite)! Our Event Center includes full use of the Fireside Room and adjacent deck, with audio and visual equipment and a catering kitchen. Many of our cabins are pet-friendly, some feature spa tubs, and all have private decks with BBQ’s and upgraded linens for that, “Home Away from Home” experience. Relax, explore, and escape in Yosemite!