10/27/2025
On February 22, 2025, during Yosemite’s breathtaking “firefall” event, park visitors witnessed an unexpected and powerful sight — a 30-by-50-foot American flag flown upside down from El Capitan, near Horsetail Fall.
This wasn’t an accident. The upside-down flag, a traditional signal of national distress, was raised by Yosemite National Park employees as a protest against recent federal job cuts to the National Park Service (NPS). These cuts included the termination of several Yosemite staff members — sparking deep concern about the future of park safety, conservation, and visitor services.
The protest was deliberately timed with the firefall phenomenon, when the setting sun turns Horsetail Fall into a glowing ribbon of orange and gold — drawing thousands of visitors and photographers. The flag remained visible for several hours, ensuring maximum attention and sparking widespread debate online.
Park employees say the layoffs threaten the sustainability of park operations and could undermine the protection of public lands nationwide. Following widespread public backlash, officials have since announced plans to restore at least 50 jobs and hire more seasonal workers to help fill critical staffing gaps.
What began as a symbolic act of distress became a powerful call to protect America’s most treasured natural landmarks. 🌲
