Just a few miles up from Tunnel View is a similar view called Inspiration Point. Some people swear it is better, while others say the hike is not worth the trek. They are both correct. Yosemite Valley has tons of view points that are all similar with just a little bit of difference. Some views are slightly more aligned and some are a bit higher than others, but provide the “same” view. But, that is only if you care about the view at the destination. If you are in Yosemite Valley to hike and explore different spots, taking in the changing views as they come, then does it really matter what the end view is?
Inspiration Point is a 2.6 mile hike that starts and ends at Tunnel View along the Ponoho Trail. This vista point is regarded as one of the premier photography locations in Yosemite National Park, but many say the hike is not worth it, as the view from Tunnel View is just as good. Well, everyone is correct. If you are only interested in the view, there is no need to hike up 1000 vertical feet, for the view is practically the same. However, if you are interested in a better experience, fewer people, a great hike, and stellar views, then the hike to Inspiration Point is one of the best hikes in Yosemite Valley.
Read on to discover the hike details, the difference between Artist point and Inspiration Point, how hard the hike is to Inspiration Point, and so much more!
Inspiration Point, all to myself, overlooking Yosemite Valley on a sunny winter day. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Hiking to Inspirtaion point overview:
Distance: 2.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 990 feet of gain
Trailhead: Ponoho Trail at Tunnel View
Average time to hike to Inspiration Point: 1.5 to 2 hours round trip
What is the difference between artist point and Inspiration point?
Artist Point and Inspiration Point are both older iconic stops that were utilized before the Wowana Tunnel was built and opened. Both of these view points were well known among travelers of the past, but have been fading in popularity as they now require hiking several miles to reach. Artist Point is a shorter hike, so many hikers stop here, meanwhile the more dedicated hikers continue up the trail to Inspiration Point. Both view point have a similar view, but they are different.
The biggest differences between Artist Point and Inspiration Point is the tree growth reclaiming the vista. As the years pass and the trees continue to grow, both of these views are starting to get “blocked”, which is why most claim Tunnel View is best. However, each point, Artist and Inspiration, offer unique views that are slightly different.
Artist Point is more slanted and towards the southern valley wall. This makes the spot a bit cooler as it stays in the shade longer. Also, this spot is more integrated into the slope of the cliff, providing only standing space in dirt for those who hike to Artist Point.
Meanwhile, Inspiration Point is squared to Yosemite Valley and sits on a granite outcropping. This allows more space and a solid surface to hikers to stay longer. Additionally, Inspiration Point is the highest of all the points, so it gives the most dramatic view in terms of feeling elevated in the sky.
What is the difference between tunnel view and inspiration point?
There is a hot debate between the differences of Tunnel View and Inspiration Point, but what really are the differences? To be honest, not much, but it is rooted in the history of Yosemite Valley. Before the Wowana Tunnel was built, getting down into the valley was a difficult and dead challenge for travelers as the slopes and roads were not conducive to travel via cart and buggy. However, along the way, there were gorgeous view points that stood out to most travelers. One of those views was Inspiration Point. However, after the tunnel was opened, travelers stopped visiting Inspiration Point because a new vista was created, Tunnel View. That is when the Tunnel View vs Inspiration Point debate started.
Now, I know that doesn’t answer the question, “What is the difference between Tunnel View and Inspiration Point?” So, let me dive in.
Tunnel View is a convenient outlook with a stunning view. At Tunnel View, you put your car in park, step out of the vehicle and take a look at an iconic view surrounded by 50 to 100, sometimes more, people all gwaking at that same view. I do it too!
Meanwhile, Inspiration Point used to be that same thing, until Wowana Tunnel was built. Since the opening of the tunnel, Inspiration Point has been a hiking destination for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the same view. Yup, that is right, it is the same view, just a different experience. So, head up to Inspiration Point and stand there like you just traveled here via horse and buggy.
Now, if you want to dive into the nitty gritty, the difference between Inspiration Point and Tunnel View is mainly the angle and tree growth. Tunnel View does not have any tree blockage, meanwhile Inspiration Point has a few trees in the way. Also, Inspiration point is slightly more squared to Yosemite Valley and elevated, compared to Tunnel View, so the showcases the valley floor better.
How hard is the hike to Inspiration point?
Hiking to Inspiration Point, in Yosemite Valley takes a little bit of grit, if you do not hike regularly. The trail is steep with several switchbacks and often takes about an hour to reach Inspiration Point. If you hike regularly, at least once a week, this hike will be a moderate outing. The 2.6 mile round trip journey climbs about 1000 feet and offers great views of Yosemite Valley without the crowds.
From time to time, when hiking to this look out I ran out of breath, but the good news, there are several places to stop. Yup, that is right, almost every switchback has a great place to sit and enjoy the view. For many, you don’t even need to go all the way to Inspiration Point because the views along the way are good enough. With that said, I suggest making the trek to the look out becasue there wont be very many people.
History of Inspiration Point in Yosemite
Early in Yosemite’s history, the routes into the park were quite different from those today. The two primary routes, Old Big Oak Flat Road and Old Wawona Road, took higher paths with a steeper descent into the valley. These dusty stagecoach roads sufficed for sporadic, slow-moving horse-drawn carriages, but they never would have managed today’s automobile traffic – many sections of Old Big Oak Flat Road have vanished under rock slides, so there’s that too.
But like today, those roads featured turnouts that allowed stunning “welcome to Yosemite” views that incoming travelers enjoyed the same way people today enjoy Tunnel View. However, when the park service completed the “new” Wawona Road in 1933, the old road, along with its popular viewpoints, quietly sank into obscurity, leaving its once-popular viewpoints abandoned.
Tunnel View assumed the mantle of “quintessential Yosemite Valley viewpoint” as Inspiration and Artists Points were relegated primarily to hikers. And today, you can reap the benefits of the relative obscurity of both spots to enjoy views that are, in some ways, superior to Tunnel View all while also basking in relative silence and solitude.
**this block comes from Modern Hiker, which is a great additional resource for hikers
Other great hikes near inspiration point:
Yosemite Valley has countless wonderful great hikes, but here a select few that are worth hiking:
Half Dome via the Cables
Dewey Point
Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point
Taft Point
Now that you have discovered the hike details, the difference between Artist Point and Inspiration Point, and how hard the hike is to Inspiration Point, it is your turn to get outside and enjoy this incredible hike in Yosemite Valley. Please, if you found this article to be helpful, or you have additional information that would/could be helpful to other, drop a comment below!
