National Parks: A Summer of Uncertainty

After years of overcrowding, this summer may be an ideal time to visit your favorite national park, thanks in part to the impact of Elon Musk and the current administration. Tourist reservations at popular spots across the United States have reportedly declined amid turmoil in the National Park Service, which recently faced significant layoffs of over 1,000 staff members due to DOGE-fueled cuts. Although these cuts have been temporarily rolled back following legal challenges, uncertainty still lingers.

Decline in Bookings and Reservations

Business Insider spoke with park advocates and business owners nationwide, concluding that the public is adopting a wait-and-see approach to the upcoming summer season. A hotelier near Yosemite reported that his three resorts have seen a decline of 1,000 bookings compared to last year. On the east coast, near the Cape Cod National Seashore, hotel reservations are down approximately 5% for the peak season, which typically runs from January through March.

Reasons Behind the Decline

While broader economic uncertainty may play a role, Business Insider identified more direct reasons for the decline. One major concern is the National Park Service’s (NPS) decision to suspend its reservation system, which required visitors to book a specific time and day to visit the park. This suspension has made it challenging for people to plan trips, as they cannot guarantee entry to the park on their desired days. The NPS has not announced whether it will reinstate the reservation system for the upcoming summer season.

Impact on Canadian Visitors and Local Communities

There has also been a notable drop in interest from Canadian visitors, according to airline travel data. The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce reported that recurring Canadian visitors are "very direct" about not wanting to visit this year due to the strained relations between the U.S. and Canada. The decline in summer bookings is significantly impacting local communities that rely on the parks to support small businesses. Gear rental outfitters and other businesses are struggling to determine how many workers to hire, which may depend on the Trump administration’s next moves!.

Potential Consequences of Understaffing

If tourists do manage to enter the parks, potential understaffing could noticeably impact their experience. Visitor centers may be staffed by volunteers or non-profits, smaller parks may be closed on weekdays, and there may be long waits at entrance stations. Trails may not be maintained, and other services may be affected. The outcome depends on whether President Trump can proceed with the proposed cuts.

Logic Behind Staffing Cuts

It is unclear what logic drives the decision to cut staffing in national parks, which encompass roughly 85 million acres of wild terrain requiring substantial physical labor to maintain. These staff members also collect entry fees to help fund nature preservation. Perhaps, similar to DOGE’s plan to discontinue Social Security phone support and push seniors to the website, Tesla will receive a contract to staff the parks with Optimus robots.

Yosemite: A Different Story

In some places, like Yosemite, experts believe there is little to worry about, at least for the upcoming season. The park typically has around 800 full-time and seasonal staff during the summer, which was initially cut by 35 in compliance with the directive to cut costs. However, the NPS says seasonal hirings will proceed, and the park is working to reinstate the 1,000 probationary employees who were let go while the White House appeals a federal judge’s order.

Impact on Local Communities

The drop in summer bookings is having a significant impact on local communities that rely on the parks to support small businesses. Right now, gear rental outfitters and other businesses are struggling to ascertain how many workers to hire, which could depend on the Trump administration’s next moves.

The Future of National Parks

Ultimately, these concerns may not matter to President Trump, who announced a plan to use federal lands for new housing. He has also stated that the U.S. does not need lumber from Canada. The administration’s plans for national parks remain uncertain, with possibilities ranging from strip mining for coal and drilling for oil to building new resort properties. For now, things are alright, but visitors should be aware that there is a 50-50 chance that toilets may be overflowing and trash will be littered everywhere if they decide to plan a trip to a national park.