June 17, 2025 – Yosemite National Park officials announce the mules are back for the summer season. 

Back from a restful winter at pasture, Yosemite’s unsung heroes have returned to work for the summer season! Mules do a variety of different jobs behind the scenes here in Yosemite. This summer they will carry supplies for trail crews working on our 800 miles of trails, and they will work through a vast wilderness helping sawyers clear downed trees that block trails. They’ll haul compost from the backcountry outhouses too: if you’ve used the bathrooms in the Vernal/Nevada fall corridor or just like clean water in the Merced, thank a mule.

Mules like Josh (left in photo with sign below) will haul injured hikers to safety, and mules like Jake (right in photo with sign below) will do front country patrols in Yosemite Valley to help alleviate traffic problems and help countless visitors find their way.

The Junior Rangers have shown their support by making this motivational poster, and you can show your support this summer when you give mules the right of way on the trail, stepping safely to the inside of the trail and following directions from the expert packers who work to keep their animals safe and happy at work.

Source & photos: NPS