National park officials closed 308 acres of Joshua Tree National Park due to acts of vandalism in the Rattlesnake Canyon area. The park is 140 miles east of Los Angeles.
Graffiti has defaced many archaeological sites, according to park officials.
To protect park resources from further damage, the public may not enter or use Rattlesnake Canyon through April 30.
The vandalism began in January. "While this started as a few markings, social media posts appear to have sparked numerous individuals' interest in adding to the vandalism of the scenic canyon," according to a statement on the park's website.
If caught and convicted, vandals could face up to $5,000 in fines and six months in jail.
Follow Gay Nagle Myers on Twitter @gnmtravelweekly.