Impacts of the Government Shutdown on Yosemite National Park

Since the government shutdown began on October 1, 2025, Yosemite National Park has seen a notable increase in BASE jumping, an activity that is illegal in all national parks due to safety concerns. Charles Winstead, a rock climber, reported witnessing approximately 20 jumps on the first day of the shutdown alone. Elisabeth Barton, co-founder of Echo Adventure Cooperative, noted that jumpers are now taking risks by jumping during peak hours, such as noon, rather than the early morning or late evening when fewer visitors are present. The National Park Service (NPS) has documented three complaints related to BASE jumping since the shutdown, but enforcement remains challenging due to reduced staffing.

New York Times

The ongoing shutdown has resulted in significant staffing reductions within the NPS, with many employees furloughed or working without pay. This has raised concerns about visitor safety and the park's ability to manage activities effectively. Mark Rose, senior program manager at the National Parks Conservation Association, highlighted that visitors are now questioning the necessity of permits for hikes, particularly for the popular Half Dome trail, where permit enforcement has reportedly continued despite the shutdown. Additionally, illegal drone usage has increased, with sightings reported up to seven times a day, further complicating park management.

New York Times

Despite the challenges posed by the shutdown, many visitors have continued to flock to Yosemite. Reports indicate that the park remains open, albeit with limited services and no staff at entry points. Visitors have expressed mixed experiences, with some enjoying the park's beauty while others have encountered issues such as closed facilities and inadequate maintenance. For instance, Andrew Snow, an outdoor education director, reported brown drinking water at Pinnacles National Park, attributed to a lack of maintenance during the shutdown.

Green Matters

The NPS has stated that law enforcement rangers are operational and responding to incidents as usual. However, the ongoing shutdown has prompted calls from former park superintendents for the closure of national parks until the government reopens, citing concerns over potential damage and safety risks. The Trump administration has faced criticism for its handling of the shutdown, with accusations of using it as a means to weaken federal oversight and potentially privatize public lands.

The Hill

As the shutdown continues, the situation in national parks remains fluid. While some parks have managed to stay open with limited staffing, the long-term viability of this approach is uncertain. Reports of increased visitor misconduct, such as vandalism and unauthorized activities, echo concerns from previous shutdowns. The NPS has emphasized its commitment to protecting park resources, but the effectiveness of these measures is increasingly in question as staffing levels dwindle.

Maybe You Shouldn’t Do This During the Government Shutdown. Even Though It’s Free

• “Is it any more legal right now? No, not at all,” — Elisabeth Barton, Co-founder of Echo Adventure Cooperative

New York Times

• “When you have a lot of people who may not have won the lottery and didn’t get a permit this year, who are now using the shutdown as an excuse to go do a hike like that, it’s putting themselves and others at risk,” — Mark Rose, Senior Program Manager, National Parks Conservation Association

New York Times

• “Our law enforcement rangers are at 100% capacity as we continue to prioritize critical functions that protect life, property, and public health, including law enforcement, emergency response, and visitor access.” — National Park Service Spokesperson

CNN

The ongoing government shutdown has created a precarious situation for Yosemite National Park, highlighting the challenges of maintaining safety and order in national parks with significantly reduced staff.

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