Yosemite isn’t just a national park. It’s the national park—the one with towering granite cliffs, waterfalls that tumble like they’re late for something, and sequoias that have been around longer than most countries. Every year, millions of people pile into cars, load up their trail mix, and head for Yosemite National Park, that wild slice of California paradise. They come for sunrise at Glacier Point, selfies with Half Dome, and the kind of peace you can’t find in a city.
But this year? Things are looking… messy.
Behind the scenes, Yosemite’s in trouble. Not the kind of trouble you can hike your way out of. We’re talking hiring freezes, vanishing staff, leadership limbo, and a summer season charging in with no brakes. Rangers are burnt out, businesses are sweating, and visitors? They’re probably going to be confused, late, and stuck in traffic.
So how did Yosemite National Park end up in chaos? And more importantly—can it bounce back before things really fall apart?
Collapsing Infrastructure and Fewer Staff on the Ground
In February 2025, hundreds of Yosemite staff got sudden bad news. Their job offers were canceled, or their roles were set to be eliminated. This happened after a hiring freeze ordered by the Trump administration took effect across federal agencies.
As a result, the impact on the park was instant. At least 70 seasonal employees lost jobs. Dozens more were told not to come back this summer. Park housing went empty. Trails, campsites, and restrooms suddenly had no one to maintain them.
Don Neubacher, a former park superintendent, called the situation “catastrophic.” He said these workers are essential to basic park operations. Without them, Yosemite National Park can’t keep up with crowds, trash, and maintenance.
To make matters worse, the park’s popular day-use reservation system was also put on hold. Officials said they lacked the staff to run it. That program had helped ease traffic, manage visitor numbers, and protect fragile ecosystems. Without it, visitors can expect longer lines, traffic jams, and more stress on already overworked staff.
In 2023 alone, over four million people visited Yosemite National Park. Without limits in place, that number could surge. At the same time, with fewer rangers on the ground, keeping up with safety and conservation will be nearly impossible. Some trails may go unmonitored. Trash will pile up faster. Visitor safety could become a real concern, especially during emergencies. Consequently, the park could face record-level strain just when it has the fewest hands available to help.
A Leadership Vacuum and Rising Frustration
At the same time, Superintendent Cicely Muldoon plans to retire. Her departure leaves a critical leadership gap at the worst possible moment. Due to federal hiring delays, her replacement may not arrive for months. That leaves Yosemite’s management team without a steady hand just as things fall apart.
During stable times, leadership changes are manageable. Right now, though, they’re dangerous. Every week without clear oversight increases confusion. Staff don’t know who to report to. Decisions about fire planning, trail closures, or emergency services are either delayed or avoided.
Among those most affected are the workers themselves. Many had already accepted job offers. They had signed contracts, arranged housing, and prepared for the busy season. Then, everything was pulled out from under them. Some lost housing. Others had to cancel travel or give up income they were counting on.
Meanwhile, the remaining staff are stretched thin. Some are working long shifts to cover essential duties. Others are leaving entirely, fed up with the instability. One longtime ranger said morale is “at rock bottom.” Many feel forgotten by the system they’ve worked hard to support. Park officials have offered few solutions. And that silence is making things worse.
At Yosemite National Park, staff shortages aren’t just frustrating—they’re dangerous. A missing ranger or a broken system could mean the difference between a safe hike and a serious rescue.
Local Business Fallout and Public Outcry
Yosemite doesn’t exist in a vacuum. In fact, it supports a wide network of nearby towns and businesses. Tour guides, hotel owners, restaurant workers, and shuttle drivers all depend on a steady flow of park visitors—and a park that functions smoothly.
Elisabeth Barton, who co-founded Echo Adventure Cooperative, said the uncertainty is “honestly terrifying.” Her business relies on clear park schedules and visitor access. Without a reservation system or enough rangers to keep things moving, she expects confusion, delays, and unhappy guests. Other business owners echo her concerns. Many are hesitant to invest in seasonal staff or marketing if Yosemite National Park can’t deliver a quality experience.
Furthermore, the damage may stretch well beyond one season. A chaotic summer could affect tourism for years. If visitors face closed trails, long waits, or poor conditions, they may not return. That would hurt small towns like Groveland, Mariposa, and El Portal that depend heavily on park-related income.
The public is also taking notice. Beth Pratt, a regional director for the National Wildlife Federation, said, “I’ve never seen anything like this.” Her voice adds to a growing chorus of park advocates calling for federal action. Many want the hiring freeze lifted—at least for critical park roles.
Additionally, travelers are raising concerns online. Posts on social media warn of backups, poor conditions, and a lack of ranger presence. Some people are canceling trips. Others are showing up unprepared, unaware of what’s really going on. Clearly, the word is getting out—and not in a good way.
What Can Be Done Before Summer?
The situation isn’t hopeless—but it is urgent. Experts say a few quick moves could stop things from getting worse. First, the federal hiring freeze needs to be rolled back for the National Park Service. Yosemite National Park can’t function without its seasonal workers. They handle the core duties that make visits possible—cleaning restrooms, guiding tours, maintaining trails, and responding to emergencies.
Second, Yosemite needs a temporary leader. An acting superintendent could make fast decisions while the permanent search continues. Without someone in charge, plans will stall. That’s dangerous as fire season and summer crowds approach.
Third, the park service should speak directly to the public. Clear updates on what’s open, what’s changing, and what’s at risk will help everyone plan. Right now, silence is adding confusion and making it harder for communities to adapt.
Luckily, as of March 18th, the reservation system has been partially resumed online anf bookings should be avialable as of March 31, 2025. If “operational capacity allows,” park officials will slowly start opening more reservation spots for visitors as they becoming available.
Taken together, these steps could prevent further breakdown—and buy Yosemite the time it needs.
Yosemite Still Matters
This park has endured a lot—fires, floods, overuse, and even government shutdowns. But what it’s facing now is different. It’s not just a funding issue or a bad season. It’s a system breakdown that touches every part of its operations.
Without quick action, the damage could be deep and long-lasting. Trails could degrade. Wildlife could suffer. Visitor trust could disappear. But with the right choices, the park can bounce back.
The cliffs will still stand. The waterfalls will still fall. The park’s beauty remains. What’s in danger is the experience—the people who protect it, the systems that sustain it, and the communities that rely on it.
For now, Yosemite National Park is still open. But it needs help—fast.
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