Two miles does not sound like very far to drive. “It’s just down the road.” It can mean a 5 to 10 minute drive. But, it can be a striking difference in landscape.

First view of Half Dome and El Capitan on Highwwy 41 driving into Yosemite Valley.

The first view is impressive; but no match for the better known Tunnel View.

Although you can see Half Dome better the first time, you get a better understanding of the layout of Yosemite Valley from tunnel view. There is the slightest hint of the valley in the first view, but at Tunnel View it spreads out before you. You see the enormity of El Capitan for the first time.