Yosemite National Park has descended into chaos as squatters, illegal climbers, and BASE jumpers exploit a lack of enforcement caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown. With only a skeleton crew of rangers available, rule-breaking has surged, creating serious risks to public safety and environmental integrity.
The National Park Service has been forced to furlough most of its staff due to the shutdown that began October 1. According to reports, only one volunteer ranger has been monitoring Yosemite’s 1,169 square miles. This drastic cut in enforcement has led to a wave of unlawful activity across the park.
Squatters have taken over reserved campsites, claiming them under a “first come, first served” excuse and disregarding the reservation system. Meanwhile, climbers are reportedly ascending Half Dome without permits, bypassing safety procedures. Perhaps most dangerously, BASE jumpers have resumed illegal jumps off El Capitan, violating a long-standing federal ban.
A spokesperson for the Department of the Interior confirmed they are aware of the situation and are investigating. Park insiders warn that the current conditions mirror those during the 2018–2019 government shutdown, which led to widespread vandalism and environmental damage.
The situation poses serious threats not only to park resources but also to human life. Unpermitted climbing and BASE jumping increase the likelihood of injuries or fatalities, which, under current staffing levels, would severely burden emergency response capabilities. Additionally, increased foot traffic, off-trail exploration, and unlawful camping are likely to damage sensitive wildlife habitats and protected land.
Conservation leaders and park officials have urged the federal government to close high-traffic national parks like Yosemite entirely during shutdowns if proper law enforcement cannot be maintained. Their warnings highlight growing frustration over federal mismanagement and the consequences of political gridlock on public lands.
