Convictions in Illegal BASE Jumping at Yosemite National Park

The National Park Service (NPS) has recently reported the conviction of three individuals for illegal BASE jumping within national parks. They’ve also reminded potential violators that law enforcement efforts remain active, even amidst the ongoing federal government shutdown.

“We will not tolerate illegal activity in Yosemite National Park,” emphasized Yosemite Superintendent Raymond McPadden. “Our law enforcement rangers are vigilant 24/7, year-round. These convictions highlight the commitment of the Yosemite Conservation Team to uphold federal regulations and, importantly, ensure the safety of visitors and first responders alike.”

Interestingly, Yosemite was once a hot spot for BASE jumping in the 1970s, but the activity has been banned since the 1980s due to safety concerns. BASE jumping, which involves leaping from fixed structures with a parachute, has led to numerous injuries and fatalities, not to mention dangerous rescue scenarios for emergency crews.

Anyone found in violation of this law could face fines up to $5,000 or even imprisonment. There’s also the risk of having their equipment confiscated and being banned from the park altogether. While the ban exists, some jumpers continue to take the plunge under the cover of dawn or dusk to evade detection.

Recent social media postings show BASE jumpers launching off El Capitan and unauthorized campers inhabiting closed areas, both in direct violation of park regulations. Meanwhile, it remains unclear how many federal workers are actually present in Yosemite during the shutdown, though the NPS has stated that essential personnel will continue focusing on law enforcement and emergency response tasks.

The Department of the Interior (DOI) acknowledged its awareness of illegal activities and confirmed they are under investigation. A spokesperson stated, “We take all reports of BASE jumping seriously. Such activities are illegal in all national parks, including Yosemite, due to the substantial safety risks they pose to participants and public safety.”

Interestingly, law enforcement rangers remain fully operational, saying they have seen no slowdown in the number of park visitors. Even during the shutdown, they’ve responded to several reports of illegal BASE jumping, all under active investigation.

The use of drones is another ongoing concern as they’re also prohibited in Yosemite without special permission. Violators face hefty fines or jail time. With consumer drones becoming more accessible, the park has stepped up its signage to remind visitors of these regulations. Instances of unauthorized drone activity have been sporadically reported, but law enforcement typically responds as needed.

Interestingly, despite rumors of deteriorating conditions in the park during the shutdown, the DOI maintains that these claims don’t represent the current situation accurately. According to their observations, there hasn’t been a surge in vandalism or litter accumulation, and visitor cooperation remains strong.

The three recent convictions arise from separate incidents between 2020 and 2024, some involving significant injuries. For instance:

• Christopher I. Durrell jumped off a wall near the North Dome in July 2024. He received 18 months of unsupervised probation, a $600 fine, and was required to complete 40 hours of community service, along with the confiscation of his jump gear.
• Joshua A. Iosue was also caught jumping near North Dome. He was sentenced to two days in jail, 24 months of unsupervised probation, and a $2,510 fine. He’s now banned from entering Yosemite during probation.
• David A. Nunn attempted a jump from El Capitan in July 2020, but suffered a significant equipment failure. Following his rescue, he faced jail time, probation, fines, and had to surrender his equipment. Notably, this was Nunn’s second conviction for illegal BASE jumping.

As discussions about national park operations during federal shutdowns continue, conservationists express worry about potential disruptions and long-term impacts on park conditions. They argue that insufficient staffing can lead to negative outcomes, recalling past closures that resulted in vandalism and environmental harm.

Yosemite attracts around 4 million visitors each year, particularly during the warmer months. Despite the current funding challenges, the DOI’s plan includes using available recreational fees to maintain essential services, especially in law enforcement and emergency responses. The conversation is far from over, and it will be interesting to see how this unfolds.