Dedicated on June 10, 1933, the Wawona Tunnel was carefully engineered to provide motorists with a dramatic view. The Tunnel View Overlook, built using Rustic design principles, blends with the surrounding landscape. Civilian Conservation Corps enrollees planted native vegetation to restore a natural appearance after construction. The tunnel improved access to Yosemite while also increasing visitors' enjoyment of the scene. From 1875, when Wawona Road was completed, until the 1930s, travelers experienced this panorama at a higher location up the slope, at an overlook called Inspiration Point that is now accessible only by trail. The Wawona Road quickly became a popular route from Wawona to Yosemite Valley, and travelers enduring the dusty, rough, eight-hour stage ride were rewarded by the inspirational view.