The Wawona tree, in the Mariposa Grove at Yosemite National Park, was cut open in 1881. It fell down during a winter storm in 1969 and has been known as the Fallen Tunnel Tree since then. It was more than 2,000 years old when it fell, the park service said.

The famous Wawona Tree (also known as the Wawona Tunnel Tree) in Yosemite National Park fell during a heavy snowstorm in early 1969. The tree, a giant sequoia that was roughly 2,100 years old, had a massive tunnel cut through its base in 1881 to allow horse-drawn carriages and later automobiles to pass through as a tourist attraction. While the tunnel was a hit with visitors, it severely weakened the tree's structural integrity. Over the decades, the combination of the large hole at its base and the "soil compaction" from thousands of vehicles driving over its root system made the tree increasingly unstable. The final blow came in 1969 when an estimated two tons of heavy, wet snow accumulated on its canopy, while the ground around its roots was saturated with rainwater. Unable to support the weight, the ancient giant finally toppled over. Today, the tree remains where it fell and is known as the "Fallen Tunnel Tree." It serves as a somber reminder to 2026 park visitors of the unintended consequences of prioritizing tourist entertainment over the natural health of the forest's delicate ecosystem.