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Photos: The caves at Santa Barbara’s More Mesa Shores

From left, Steven Navarro, Ramon Cardenas and Carlos Ramirez, all of Santa Barbara, pass a small cave at More Mesa after fishing from the shoreline below.

From left, Steven Navarro, Ramon Cardenas and Carlos Ramirez, all of Santa Barbara, pass a small cave at More Mesa after fishing from the shoreline below.   (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

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Small caves carved into the bluffs of More Mesa Shores in Santa Barbara are drawing unwanted visitors who often leave trash, start campfires and risk serious injury. Neighbors wanted to stop them with fences and signs, but the property is privately owned by a developer in Saudi Arabia.

The caves at Santa Barbara's More Mesa Shores

Stephanie Winegardner of Santa Barbara passes one of the small caves of More Mesa on her way down to the shoreline.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

The caves at Santa Barbara's More Mesa Shores

Majeston Hannah, right, gives Ariel Villalobos a boost above one of the caves in the bluffs of More Mesa near Santa Barbara.   (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

The caves at Santa Barbara's More Mesa Shores

A hiker makes his way above three small caves in the bluffs of More Mesa near Santa Barbara.   (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

The caves at Santa Barbara's More Mesa Shores

Bonnie Freeman, a More Mesa Shores community activist, says gang members are among the intruders on private land that includes the cliffs.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

The caves at Santa Barbara's More Mesa Shores

Signs at More Mesa warn that permission is required to pass through and get to the caves.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

The caves at Santa Barbara's More Mesa Shores

UCSB students Andre Anderiasian, Gabrielle Isacson and Nadia Kulenovich, from left, carry their sleeping bags back after spending the night in one of the caves -- a common practice.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

The caves at Santa Barbara's More Mesa Shores

Lindsy, a pit bull belonging to Steven Dummar, right rear, runs along a trail worn by hikers -- and dogs -- at More Mesa.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

The caves at Santa Barbara's More Mesa Shores

The caves are roomy enough for campers, but as a recent accident involving a boulder showed, they can also be dangerous.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

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