February is one of the busiest times of the year at Yosemite National Park, drawing visitors eager to witness “firefall,” a breathtaking natural event where water flowing down Horsetail Fall on El Capitan appears to glow like molten lava.

Travelers from around the world flock to see this stunning phenomenon, with some booking entry tickets and parking spots a year in advance.

However, those visiting on February 22 saw more than just firefall. An upside-down American flag was also displayed over the side of El Capitan—reportedly hung by Yosemite employees in protest against recent staff reductions tied to cost-cutting measures under the Trump administration.

Traditionally, flying the American flag upside down is a symbol of distress.

Gavin Carpenter, a maintenance mechanic at Yosemite, spoke to the San Francisco Chronicle on Saturday, confirming that he had supplied and helped hang the flag.