The Longest Tunnel in California Is a Picturesque Modern Miracle

California is a beautiful state with a unique geography. The state has many large mountain ranges, clear rivers, and breathtaking forests. One of the most stunning places in California is Yosemite National Park. This national park was established in 1890. Here you can find many hidden waterfalls, lakes, and tall and old trees. Within the national park is also the longest tunnel in California. This long tunnel is smooth to drive and leads to beautiful sights.

Follow along to learn more about the longest tunnel in California, including the wildlife that calls the region around the tunnel home.

What’s the Longest Tunnel in California?

Wawona Tunnel is the longest tunnel in California and stretches about 4,233 feet. It has two lanes and was first opened in 1933. The tunnel was created through solid granite bedrock. You can find this tunnel on one of the three main roads providing access to Yosemite Valley. It’s a very popular and used highway tunnel since it passes through one of the busiest sections of Yosemite National Park. After going through the tunnel when leaving the valley, the road continues to Chinquapin Junction with Glacier Point Road to Badger Pass Ski Area & Glacier Point.

Although it’s a useful highway tunnel, many people like taking the tunnel because it provides scenic views. Right outside of the Wawona Tunnel is Tunnel View. It’s a popular-looking spot made famous by Ansel Adams. From the spot, you can see some spectacular sights like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall.

Wildlife Surrounding the Longest Tunnel in California

It’s not surprising to know that the tunnel is surrounded by wildlife. The Wawona Tunnel runs through Yosemite National Park. There are over 400 animal species living in this large protected area. Here you can find many animals including black bears, coyotes, Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, bobcats, mule deer, and more. Follow along to learn more about the wildlife surrounding Wawona Tunnel.

Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep

Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep have large curved horns. They are found throughout the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Currently, experts estimate there are about 600 Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep left in the state. These sheep have white to dark brown coats. They also typically live between 8 to 12 years. Sadly, this subspecies of bighorn sheep is listed as federally endangered. The biggest cause is the spread of pneumonia from Pasteurella in the 1870s. They were also fiercely hunted by mountain lions. While there are only about 600 left in the world, this is a big improvement from the last few decades. In 1995, there may have been less than 100 individuals.

American Dipper

Another animal found in the region near the longest tunnel in California is the American dipper. Although it’s found throughout Yosemite National Park, it’s still an uncommon sight. Bird watchers look for this unique bird carefully. They are native to the mountainous regions of Central America and western North America. They are also semiaquatic birds that rarely migrate far unless looking for food. Their diets consist of aquatic insects and their larvae. These brown and grey birds dive underwater to search for food.

Pacific Fishers

Another animal you can find near the longest tunnel in California is the Pacific Fisher, also known as the fisher cat. Despite its name, it’s not a cat, but a type of weasel. They have few predators and are listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List. Pacific fishers are predators that consume snowshoe hares, insects, nuts, mushrooms, and porcupines. They are great tree climbers but live mainly on the forest floor. They are mainly found in undisturbed forests with large and old trees.

Sierra Alligator Lizards

Next on our list of common animals near the Wawona Tunnel, is the Sierra alligator lizard. This lizard is about 3.9 inches long. They have thick bodies, but short legs. Although their coloration varies, most Sierra alligator lizards are brown or grey with white spots. Breeding season is in spring and between June and September, female Sierra alligator lizards give live birth to about 4-5 young. However, they can give birth to as many as 15 at a time.

Where is Wawona Tunnel Located on a Map?

Located in Yosemite National Park, the Wawona Tunnel is an iconic highway tunnel that was completed along with Tunnel View just beyond its east portal in 1933. This tunnel offers a stunning view of Yosemite Valley and is a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Here is Wawona Tunnel on a map:

The photo featured at the top of this post is © CloudOnePhoto/Shutterstock.com