According to the National Parks Conservation Association, the National Park Service has lost nearly 25% of its staff since January 2025. That is a significant reduction, and it has real consequences for people spending time outdoors. For climbers, it means one thing above all: you may need to rely more on your own preparation, judgment, and self-sufficiency when visiting national parks this season.
Spring and summer are some of the busiest times of year for national and state parks. Warmer weather brings more visitors, heavier trail traffic, and more wear on climbing areas. Under normal circumstances, park staff help manage that influx and support visitor safety. When staffing is reduced, that safety net gets thinner. That does not mean you should stay home. It does mean you should head out with a more intentional plan.
Plan Before You Go
Planning is no longer optional, especially in places where cell service is unreliable. Before you leave, download maps and route information so you can still access them offline. Mountain Project is a useful option for climbers, but screenshots and saved directions can help too. Better yet, bring a physical map of the park.
You should also save important phone numbers before your trip, including Search and Rescue if that information is available. If you do happen to get a signal in an emergency, you do not want to waste time hunting down the right contact.
If you climb outdoors regularly, it is also worth considering a Garmin inReach or another SOS device. These tools can communicate with Search and Rescue and send messages to family members even when you do not have cell service. They are an investment, but they can be one of the smartest purchases an outdoor climber makes.
Just as important, tell someone exactly where you are going. Share the crag, route, or general area you plan to visit, along with when you expect to return. Set a check-in time. If you miss it, that person should know when to start worrying and what steps to take next. It may feel excessive, but clear communication is one of the simplest ways to reduce risk.
Bring More Water and Fuel Than You Think You Need
A good rule of thumb is to bring about one gallon of water per person, per day. That may sound like a lot until you are halfway through a hot day and your water is already running low. Climbing, hiking, and spending hours in the sun can dehydrate you faster than you expect.
Start before you even leave by drinking water and eating a solid meal. Once dehydration sets in, you are already more likely to deal with muscle cramps, confusion, and heat-related illness.
Food matters just as much. Pack a crag snack, then pack more than one. Whether your day includes hiking, climbing, swimming, or simply being out in the heat, your body needs steady fuel to keep moving well and thinking clearly.
Electrolytes are also worth prioritizing. Sources like the Cleveland Clinic and Healthline note that electrolytes help regulate chemical reactions in the body and support muscle function. That matters when you are trying to stay strong on the wall and safe in hot conditions. Coconut water, broth, and drinks like Pedialyte can help replace what you lose. Sports drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade also contain electrolytes, but they can come with added sugars or sugar alcohols that may upset your stomach, especially in the heat.
Pack a Basic First Aid Kit and Know Your Limits
A basic first aid kit should always be in your bag. At a minimum, consider packing:
- bandages
- antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin
- pain relievers such as Tylenol or Advil
- any prescription medications you personally need
It is also worth considering a first aid class. These courses can be expensive, but they teach practical skills that matter when something goes wrong. CPR, basic wound care, and injury stabilization can make a real difference, especially if professional help takes longer to arrive because of reduced staffing.
At the same time, do not let extra gear give you false confidence. Do not use medical equipment you are not trained to use. Carrying tools you do not understand can create more problems, not fewer. Stick to what you know, and build your skill set over time.
Final Thoughts
Climbing outdoors has always required personal responsibility, but fewer staff in national parks raise the stakes. You cannot assume someone will be nearby to help, and you definitely cannot assume rescue will happen quickly if something goes wrong.
Still, reduced staffing is not a reason to stop getting outside. It is a reason to be sharper about how you prepare. Plan ahead, bring what you actually need, and take ownership of your safety. The goal is simple: enjoy the day and make it back safely.
