Graffiti forces closure of Rattlesnake Canyon

Joshua Tree National Park is temporarily closing thepublic’saccess to Rattlesnake Canyon after a recent string of vandalism on the rocks in the area.

While thegraffitibeganwith only a few markings, the use of social media has appeared to spark people’s interest in adding to the vandalism on the canyon. The markings have now grown to the point where they are impactingarchaeologicalsites.

A lack of funds has prevented immediate clean-up of the area. In order to prevent further damage,officialshave closed the entrance to the canyon until restoration can take place.

The closure will be reevaluated after April 30th.