Why an Upside-Down American Flag Flew at Yosemite: The Story Behind the Photos

↑ Concerned citizens hung the American flag upside down on the side of El Capitan in Yosemite in protest of recent National Park Service layoffs.

Words and Images by Brittany Colt  |  February 2025

A Statement at the Edge

On Saturday, February 22nd, my heart was pounding out of my chest from exertion as I scrambled my way up a steep cliffside to photograph the iconic “Firefall” in Yosemite National Park. Firefall occurs when sunlight streams through the thin sliver of Horsetail Falls, turning the rockface molten orange. I was high above the crowds below, offering a unique perspective that I’ve always loved. Little did I know as I was setting up my camera that I would capture history in the making. 

As I stood on the cliff’s edge looking through my viewfinder, I noticed something moving on El Capitan right next to the Firefall. As I scoped out the scene with my 700mm lens, I realized there were six people on the top of El Capitan rigging an American flag upside down. I knew that this was a desperate plea for help. A plea that thousands of people would witness that night. 

Prior to this event, one thousand National Park Service employees were fired from their jobs due to budget cuts from the federal Department of Government Efficiency. This rocked our National Parks all around the country. They already run low staff, and losing these essential public servants could lead to devastation in the parks.

Too Close to Home

I normally like to stay out of politics altogether, but this hit too close to home for me. I have witnessed an alarming number of friends have their lives as the new administration has indiscriminately fired hundreds of people who tirelessly steward our protected lands. 

These Park Service employees protect the park’s resources as well as park visitors. They’re the ones who respond to emergencies. They serve as a resource of information to tourists. They keep the restrooms clean and empty out the trash cans to keep the wildlife at bay. The loss of these essential workers could leave the parks in chaos, while leaving visitors vulnerable when there will be no one to answer calls for help. 

It is not only our National Parks that are at risk. It is also our National Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management public agencies. With these new budget cuts, I ponder what will become of our public lands? Will they be protected? Used for logging? Drilling? Will wildlife be safe and will humans still have something beautiful to visit? At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who voted for whom.

The Power of Art

Everyone, whether they are Republican or Democrat, enjoy these beautiful places. This should not be a fight between the right or the left. It is about protecting our wilderness and natural resources so that future generations will be able to enjoy them. We the people need to step up as the stewards of these lands and urge the government to not make cuts to these essential workers.

Throughout history, politicians and artists have worked tirelessly to preserve these lands so that you and I can enjoy them. Theodore Roosevelt was a Republican, and he saw the value in saving these parks. Ansel Adams spent countless hours writing to senators and other politicians to bring awareness of how important it is to preserve and protect these lands. 

It is now up to us to take up where Ansel left off and help spread awareness about this issue. There is so much power within a photograph. So much emotion and messaging that can be portrayed with one click of the button. That is the power of a photographer and artist. Are you ready to take up the challenge?

See more of Brittany Colt’s work at brittanycolt.com.