JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK EXTENDS RATTLESNAKE CANYON CLOSURE FOR VANDALISM

Joshua Tree National Park announced Tuesday that it is extending the closure of the popular Rattlesnake Canyon area for another 30 days. Since January, vandals defaced the popular day use and canyon area with graffiti. Because a more extensive cleanup program is required to restore Rattlesnake Canyon, Joshua Tree National Park is extending the closure for an additional 30 days. The closure includes the entire day use area of Rattlesnake Canyon from the gate to the top of the canyon. Following the 30-day extension, park staff will decide if additional extensions are needed before reopening the area. Park visitors are encouraged to report acts of vandalism or suspicious activity to park rangers.