Skip to main content

Vandalized Joshua Tree Canyon To Stay Closed

Support Provided By
Screen shot 2013-04-30 at 5.17.32 PM-thumb-600x334-50110

And not just in Rattlesnake Canyon, either. | Photo: shabd simon-alexander/Flickr/Creative Commons License

A canyon in a popular section of Joshua Tree National Park that was closed last month so that park staff could assess major vandalism will be closed to the public for at least another month.

Rattlesnake Canyon was closed to the public in early April after rangers discovered a rash of spray-painted graffiti on the canyon's rock walls and boulders. The canyon extends from the upper end of the Indian Cove day-use area deep into the Wonderland of Rocks section of the park, and is a popular bouldering spot.

Compounding the vandalism is the fact that the culprits apparently publicized the canyon's location on social media, attracting a swarm of imitators to the area. Though park staff and volunteers have succeeded in cleaning up much of the spray paint, enough remains -- and in sensitive enough spots -- that another month of closure is needed to fully assess the damage and the cost of restoration.

Rattlesnake Canyon is just one spot in the park that's been hit by vandals, the nearby Barker Dam was closed to public access earlier this year after being vandalized by visitors, and park staff regularly find other places that have been marred by vandalism.

In its press release announcing the extended closure of Rattlesnake Canyon, the Park Service offers a reminder that it welcomes visitor help in reporting on and identifying those few visitors who persist in being unclear on the whole "National Park" and "unimpaired" concept. If you see someone vandalizing Park resources, tell a ranger.

Like SoCal Wanderer on Facebook and follow @SoCal_Wanderer on Twitter.

Support Provided By
Read More
In “Obet and Del’s: The Coffee Shop Changing the Game in Hollywood” host Rosey Alvero sits down to talk with coffee shop owner Heather Knox.

Sip, Snack and Stroll Your Way Through Thai Town and East Hollywood (But First, Coffee)

Explore Thai Town and East Hollywood with all of its delicious, boozy and vintage offerings. But before you start wandering, charge up with a coffee from Obet & Del's, a neighborhood coffee haven serving up café drinks inspired by Southeast Asian culture.
In "The Tree Yoga Cooperative: Find Wellness in South LA" host Rosey Alvero takes a yoga class.

Find Flow, Practice Mindfulness and Engage in Self-Care at These South L.A. Hidden Gems

The Tree Yoga Collective is providing a self-care resource to its South Los Angeles community with a focus on equitable access to mindfulness, meditation, and flow. Here are some other South L.A. hidden gems for fostering inner peace, too — including a healthy dose of nature, plant-based cuisine and caffeine.
In "Babes of Wellness: Working Out for Health and Community in Compton" host Rosey Alvero lifts weights in the gym's "Swole Babes" class.

Get 'Swole' at Babes of Wellness, Plus Other Ways to Nourish Your Mind and Body in Compton

SoCal Wanderer host Rosey Alvero takes you to Babes of Wellness, an inclusive gym for women in Compton — where you can discover other ways of finding strength and power by feeding your body and mind.