Photos: Here’s what Yosemite looks like one year after the animals took over

It was a year ago that Yosemite National Park closed its gates thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic and the animals took over. Campgrounds were empty and the trails were devoid of people.

One year later, the stars are out, the crowds are back and, well, the animals, they’re just chillin’.

Currently, the park’s target is to allow about 50% of the average June vehicle entry rate (which equates to 3,600 vehicle entries each day).

Reservations will be required to drive into Yosemite beginning May 21. Some services and facilities are limited, and shuttles are not operating.

Here’s a look inside Yosemite one year after the closure.

Campfires are back

Students from Steamboat Mountain School in Steamboat Springs, Colo., gather around a Yosemite campfire.

(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Spring has sprung

Dogwood trees are in bloom in the Yosemite Valley.

(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Trail traffic

Hikers take Mist Trail to Vernal Falls in Yosemite.

(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Park locals

Deer feed on a redbud tree in bloom in the Yosemite Valley.

(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Left, a Steller’s jay. At right, a young deer.

(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

California

Animals are taking over. These stunning photos show Yosemite without tourists

The deer, bobcats, coyotes and bears no longer have to deal with the hordes of camera-toting tourist vying to capture nature. They now roam unfettered.

April 13, 2020

One year ago, the animals reigned

Left, a bobcat hunts for a meal. At right, a squirrel with its cheeks filled.

(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

A coyote wanders around Curry Village in Yosemite looking for a meal.

(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Climbers get their footing in 2021

Climbers make their way up El Capitan in the Yosemite Valley.

(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

A chilly dip in the Merced River

Christian Cossio of San Diego takes a dip in the Merced River. ”I came at 3 a.m. to beat the traffic,” he said. “It feels emptier, less traffic, than normal.”

(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Family swing

From left, Charlotte Briggs, 6; Grace Briggs, 7; and Samuel Briggs, 9, on a hammock as they camp in Yosemite with their parents, Tim and Francesca Briggs, of the Bay Area city of Brentwood.

(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Parting shot

A hiker treks past Vernal Falls along the Mist Trail in the Yosemite Valley.

(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

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