Yosemite National Park, located in California, is experiencing significant staffing shortages after the National Park Service (NPS) laid off around 1,000 employees at the beginning of 2025. This has resulted in unstaffed entrance stations, notably at the Big Oak Flat and Arch Rock entrances, where visitors have been instructed to pay upon exiting. Reports indicate that staffing levels are currently at about 50% of normal, leading to difficulties in managing visitor numbers and an increase in rule-breaking behaviors, including littering and drone usage. Elisabeth Barton, a local tour company co-owner, expressed concerns about the park's ability to cope with visitor demand under these conditions. While NPS officials claim staffing adjustments are being made based on operational needs, employees remain skeptical about the park's sustainability. Similar staffing challenges have been noted at other national parks, such as Zion, where visitor numbers continue to rise despite reduced staff. Local officials are questioning the viability of keeping parks open under these circumstances, emphasizing the need for adequate staffing to ensure visitor safety and park preservation.