The Tule Elk, a subspecies found only in California, are not commonly seen within Yosemite National Park today. While historically present in the broader region, their current numbers inside the park are very limited, making sightings a rare occurrence. Most Tule Elk populations now exist in other designated areas across California.
Elk in Yosemite Today
Tule Elk are not a common sight within Yosemite National Park. While they are native to California, their presence inside the park’s current boundaries is largely incidental, with no established herds roaming the Yosemite Valley or high country. Any sightings of Tule Elk within Yosemite would be isolated individuals or small groups that have wandered into the park from adjacent areas. The vast majority of the Tule Elk population resides in protected reserves and other habitats outside the park perimeter.
A History of Elk in the Yosemite Area
Historically, Tule Elk were widespread across California, with estimates suggesting their population once reached as many as 500,000 individuals roaming the Central Valley and coastal grasslands. The 19th century brought a drastic decline due to uncontrolled hunting for meat, hides, and tallow. Habitat loss from agricultural expansion and competition from livestock also pushed the Tule Elk to the brink of extinction. By the 1870s, many believed the Tule Elk were entirely extirpated from the state.
A small remnant herd, possibly as few as two to four individuals, was discovered in 1874 on a ranch near Bakersfield. A rancher named Henry Miller played a role in protecting these last remaining elk, allowing their population to begin a slow recovery. Early conservation efforts and reintroductions were often unsuccessful, but some herds were established, including in California’s Owens Valley in 1933, which was outside their historical range. Yosemite itself contributed a small group of penned elk to the Owens Valley reintroduction in 1933.
Where to Spot Tule Elk
While Tule Elk are not regularly found within Yosemite National Park, several locations across California offer opportunities to observe these animals. One of the most notable areas is the Owens Valley, located east of the Sierra Nevada. Here, approximately 400 to 500 Tule Elk roam, and specific viewing spots, such as near Tinemaha along Highway 395, provide accessible viewing from the roadside.
Point Reyes National Seashore, north of San Francisco, is another prominent location for Tule Elk. The Tomales Point Trail offers a good chance to see them, particularly within the Tule Elk Reserve, a 2,600-acre enclosure where a large herd resides. The Carrizo Plain National Monument in San Luis Obispo County also hosts Tule Elk, with around 500 individuals in the area, including those within the monument and on adjacent lands.
Conservation and Ecological Role
Tule Elk are endemic to California. Their survival is a conservation success story, given their near-extinction in the 19th century. From a few dozen individuals, the statewide population has rebounded to approximately 5,700 Tule Elk across numerous herds as of 2020. These grazers and browsers play an important role in maintaining open native grasslands and promoting biodiversity. Their grazing patterns can influence plant species abundance and diversity, contributing to the health of California’s ecosystems. Ongoing conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, population monitoring, and ensuring sufficient suitable land remains available for these animals.