A makeover at Yosemite's Tunnel View Overlook

Yosemite National Park is restoring one of its iconic views to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service and the 20th anniversary of the Yosemite Fund.

The park service says that restoring its Tunnel View Overlook will provide better accessibility to viewing areas for all visitors and provide better circulation patterns for both touring pedestrians and vehicles. The project will also correct safety problems at the Inspiration Point trailhead and fix some drainage issues. All this will be done with the preservation of the surrounding nature in mind, spokespeople said.

The Tunnel View Overlook Rehabilitation Project will cost $3.3 million, $1.8 of this money coming from donations by the nonprofit Yosemite Fund.

The site is a popular scenic viewpoint next to Wawona Road at the east portal of the Wawona Tunnel. It offers views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome. The overlook was constructed in 1932 and now brings in about 5,000 to 7,000 visitors a day at the height of visitor season.