Yosemite National Park has been thrown into disarray since the government shutdown began on October 1. Reports indicate a surge in illegal activities, including BASE jumping from El Capitan, unauthorized camping, and unpermitted climbing on Half Dome cables. With most of the park staff furloughed, enforcement is minimal, leading to increased rule-breaking.
According to KTLA, BASE jumping, banned in the 1980s, has seen a resurgence. Enthusiasts are taking advantage of the lack of rangers, often jumping at dawn or dusk. Charles Winstead, a climber, reported witnessing numerous jumps, stating, “You hear them before you see them. Then the parachute pops and there’s no more noise.”
Squatters have also moved into campgrounds, claiming reserved sites as “first come, first served.” A park employee, speaking anonymously to the San Francisco Chronicle, noted that only a single volunteer is patrolling the park, leading to a “Wild Wild West” atmosphere.
The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks has called for the closure of all national parks during the shutdown, citing safety concerns. Emily Thompson, the coalition’s executive director, emphasized the danger, saying, “This shutdown is making an already bad situation at national parks and public lands far worse.”
The National Park Service acknowledges the issues and reiterates that BASE jumping is prohibited due to safety risks. Violations can result in fines of up to $5,000 or six months in jail. As the shutdown continues, the situation at Yosemite remains precarious, with advocates warning of potential long-term damage similar to the 2018–19 shutdown.
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