Tunnel View
Tunnel View is a classic overlook at the eastern end of the Wawona Tunnel that frames the entire Yosemite Valley in a single sweeping composition, with El Capitan rising on the left, Bridalveil Fall cascading on the right, and Half Dome anchoring the center background. The scene works best at sunrise when warm light rakes across the granite walls and morning mist often fills the valley floor, adding layers and depth. Sunset can also produce dramatic color, but the valley falls into shadow early, so golden hour light disappears faster than you might expect. A wide angle lens in the 16 to 24mm range captures the full panorama, while a telephoto lets you isolate Half Dome or compress the mist. The paved overlook has plenty of room to move laterally and find slightly different framings; arriving before dawn gets you a good position before the crowds build. (Yosemite National Park, California, United States)
