BASE jumping on El Capitan during the government shutdown has become a recurring problem at Yosemite National Park. The sport, which involves parachuting from fixed objects like buildings or cliffs, has long been considered illegal in the park.
According to rock climber Peter Zabrok, who was enjoying his 924th career bivouacked evening on El Capitan when he witnessed two parachutists land safely in the meadow. The parachutists were part of a team of eight jumpers, who were all professional skydivers. They claimed that their BASE jumping was a peaceful protest against the government shutdown.
However, park officials say that they are taking illegal BASE jumping very seriously and have received reports of three incidents during the shutdown. Yosemite Search and Rescue’s emergency services program manager, Jesse McGahey, said that law enforcement, fire, EMS, and search-and-rescue crews were fully staffed and paid during the shutdown.
Despite the risks, many visitors to the park are taking advantage of the free entry during the government shutdown. The National Parks Conservation Association has warned of potential safety hazards, including trash buildup and unruly traffic.
The government shutdown has had significant financial consequences for national parks, with millions lost in revenue due to disruptions caused by the shutdown. Yosemite is one of the most visited national parks in the country, and the park’s revenue is a significant contributor to local communities.
Visitors are being encouraged to follow park rules and regulations to help keep the park safe and clean. With many park programs and services on hiatus during the shutdown, it is essential for visitors to be mindful of their impact on the environment.
Yosemite Search and Rescue’s emergency services program manager added that despite the risks, people are generally respectful and take care of the park. However, more enforcement efforts are needed to address the issue of BASE jumping in the park.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/10/25/yosemite-climbers-base-jumpers