During the federal government shutdown, some BASE jumpers have taken advantage of reduced oversight in California’s national parks. Park officials have issued urgent warnings, cautioning would-be thrill-seekers against attempting dangerous stunts and highlighting the heightened risks involved.
National Parks Issue Warning Over People Base Jumping During Shutdown

Key Takeaways:
- A federal government shutdown has reduced oversight at national parks.
- Officials warn against BASE jumping, citing safety concerns.
- Yosemite in California is among the potentially affected locations.
- The warning underscores the importance of adhering to park rules.
- Newsweek originally published the story on October 10, 2025.
Context of the Shutdown
The current federal government shutdown has brought a host of challenges to public lands, including national parks. With park staffing limited, various activities usually monitored by rangers have become less regulated.
National Parks’ Concern and Warning
National Park authorities have sounded the alarm about a surge in BASE jumping, urging visitors to act responsibly. These warnings reflect park officials’ concerns that reduced supervision during the shutdown may embolden thrill-seekers to attempt risky feats.
Focusing on California and Yosemite
Some of the keywords from the original report—such as “California” and “Yosemite”—point to widely recognized locales for adventure sports. BASE jumping, already considered an extreme pastime, becomes even more precarious in remote, understaffed areas.
The Safety Risk
Park staff emphasize the inherent danger of BASE jumping, especially when rescue and emergency response resources are hampered by the shutdown. Officials caution that injuries or mishaps could be more difficult to address promptly.
Publication Details
This development was highlighted by Newsweek, published on October 10, 2025, underscoring the timeliness of the warning. As authorities continue to monitor activities, they urge potential jumpers to respect national park guidelines and consider the consequences of engaging in extreme sports under limited supervision.