Joshua Tree National Park sites defaced

A sacred Indian site inside Rattlesnake Canyon in the Joshua Tree National Park is defaced with graffiti. Vandals have posted pictures of themselves damaging the park, causing officials to close parts of the park as they investigate. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

April 12, 2013 4:57 PM PT

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Vandalism in Rattlesnake Canyon and at Barker Dam, two of Joshua Tree National Park’s most popular hiking spots, has been so pervasive that both sites have been closed to the public.
Read more: Historic Joshua Tree sites blighted by city’s ills

Joshua Tree National Park maintenance man Ameer Amit closes the gates to the road leading to Rattlesnake Canyon, where vandals spray-painted graffiti on numerous rock formations. Park officials have closed parts of the park as they investigate Facebook postings of someone painting the graffiti. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

A photographer takes pictures of Barker Dam, where vandals have carved their names. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Ranger Pat Pilcher stands near Barker Dam, which has been vandalized. The park service isn’t sure how to repair that damage. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)