Once part of the original Generals Highway, Tunnel Rock near Sequoia’s south entrance remains a fascinating reminder of how visitors once drove straight under a natural granite arch.
10 Minutes
Spring, Summer, Fall
Free with Park Entry
Overview
If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to explore Sequoia National Park in the early days of the automobile, Tunnel Rock offers a glimpse into that bygone era. Just a short distance inside the park’s south entrance, this granite formation once framed the road itself — literally. For years, cars drove beneath the stone archway, weaving between towering trees and rock walls on one of the park’s most scenic early routes. Though the road has since been rerouted for safety, Tunnel Rock still stands as a quiet, photo-worthy stop with a fascinating story tied to Sequoia’s development.
Tunnel Rock dates back to the 1920s, when the Generals Highway was first carved through Sequoia National Park to connect the Foothills area with the Giant Forest. In those early years, engineers built the narrow mountain road directly under a natural granite arch, creating one of the park’s most memorable — and nerve-racking — driving experiences.
But as vehicles grew larger and traffic increased, the rock passage became too tight for buses and RVs. Eventually, the National Park Service rerouted the highway around Tunnel Rock, closing the underpass for good. Today, you can still walk to the site where the road once ducked beneath the formation and imagine what it must have been like to pass directly under this massive stone feature.
Historical marker describing the history of Tunnel Rock
Tunnel Rock Plan
Our plan for the day was simple: see as much of Sequoia National Park as we possibly could. With only one full day to explore, we set out early from the Foothills Visitor Center, determined to make the most of every stop along the Generals Highway. As we followed the GuideAlong audio tour through the park, Tunnel Rock caught our attention—it was marked on both the map and mentioned in the narration as one of the unique historic features near the south park entrance. Since it was just a short stop along the way, it fit perfectly into our plan to experience the park’s highlights—from foothill granite formations and the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River to the giant sequoias and Moro Rock farther up the road. Tunnel Rock became our first stop, a quick but memorable way to start a full day of exploring Sequoia’s incredible mix of natural beauty and history.
Ryan and Tyler standing under Tunnel Rock
Getting There
Location
Tunnel Rock is located near the Ash Mountain Entrance, the south entrance of Sequoia National Park, in the western one-third of the park system. The park itself is part of the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks complex in the southern Sierra Nevada of California, United States. From the foothills near Three Rivers, the Generals Highway climbs steeply toward the Giant Forest area, passing landmarks like Hospital Rock, Beetle Rock, and Moro Rock along the way. Tunnel Rock sits just a short distance up from the Foothills Visitor Center, making it one of the first interesting geological sights after entering the park.
Best Time to Go
The summer season (late May through September) is the best time to visit Tunnel Rock and other lower-elevation features of Sequoia National Park. The road is open year-round here — unlike the higher elevation routes near Lodgepole Visitor Center or Mineral King, which can close due to snow. Spring and fall are also pleasant, offering milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
Warning sign for all of the poison oak in the area
Tunnel Rock in Sequoia National Park
Who Can Go?
Tunnel Rock is accessible to almost everyone — you don’t need hiking gear or a long trek to see it. The site is close to the main Generals Highway, with a nearby parking area where visitors can safely stop and explore. Families, photographers, and history buffs will all appreciate this quick but memorable roadside stop.
What You'll See
Tunnel Rock is a smooth, rounded granite dome with a distinct archway carved naturally over time by erosion and weathering. Though vehicles no longer drive beneath it, you can still clearly see where the old roadbed once passed under the formation. Standing here, surrounded by foothill pines and chaparral, it’s easy to picture vintage cars winding under the arch in Sequoia’s early years.
The rock contrasts beautifully with the surrounding scenery — steep hillsides, views toward the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, and the rising ridges of the Great Western Divide in the distance.
Even with this sign, there were still people climbing. We didn’t let the boys climb due to all of the poison oak in the area.
What to Bring & Wear
Because Tunnel Rock sits at a lower elevation, temperatures can climb quickly, especially in summer. Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes with some grip for the uneven ground near the rock. If you’re exploring other nearby sites like Hospital Rock or Moro Rock, pack layers — the higher you go, the cooler it gets.
Where to Go
After entering Sequoia National Park through the Ash Mountain Entrance Station, follow the Generals Highway for about two miles. You’ll find Tunnel Rock along a short pullout area just off the main road. The parking lot is small but convenient for a quick stop to stretch your legs and take photos.
If you’re planning to see more of the park, Tunnel Rock makes a great first stop on your way up toward the Giant Forest Museum, General Sherman Tree, or Crescent Meadow — some of the park’s most iconic attractions.
Tyler and Ryan walking through Tunnel Rock from the back side of it
How Long Does it Take?
You can easily visit Tunnel Rock in 10 to 15 minutes, or linger longer if you’re taking photos and reading interpretive signs. It’s a perfect add-on stop for anyone driving the full length of the Generals Highway or entering from the southern side of the park.
Cost
Access to Tunnel Rock is included in the standard Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks entrance fee, which covers your vehicle for seven days. No additional permits or passes are required for this stop.
Tips for Tunnel Rock in Sequoia National Park
- Stop early in the day. Parking fills quickly along the narrow highway.
- Watch for poison oak near roadside pullouts in the foothills area.
- Be cautious of traffic — the Generals Highway is narrow and winding, with limited shoulder space.
- Combine your stop with a visit to Hospital Rock, where you can see Native American pictographs and picnic along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River.
- If you have extra time, continue up the highway to see Moro Rock or walk the Big Trees Trail among the giant sequoias.
- For updates on closures or road conditions after fires or maintenance (like the KNP Complex Fire recovery), check the National Park Service or Sequoia Parks Conservancy website in advance of your visit.