MOAB, Utah — The National Park Service (NPS) has launched an investigation after reports of graffiti and litter defacing sandstone formations in the Devils Garden area of Arches National Park. Officials confirmed Monday that the vandalism occurred near the park’s famous Landscape Arch, one of its most visited natural landmarks.
Graffiti Found on Iconic Red Rock Formations
According to Outside Magazine, former Park Service employee Allyson Mathis discovered the vandalism while hiking in the area last Wednesday. She described seeing spray-painted symbols, handprints, and acronyms on multiple rock surfaces.
“It was everywhere,” Mathis said. “It was heartbreaking and upsetting, but unfortunately not surprising.”
Mathis also reported seeing trash left behind and even a visitor walking a dog on the trail — a direct violation of park rules designed to protect the fragile desert ecosystem.
Federal Shutdown Leaves Parks Vulnerable
The vandalism comes amid ongoing challenges caused by the federal government shutdown that began October 1. While most national parks across the country have been closed or partially staffed, Utah allocated emergency funds to keep its parks open with limited services.
Still, with 35 million acres of federal land spread across Utah, officials say it’s nearly impossible to fully monitor vulnerable sites. The Utah State Historic Preservation Office deployed members of its Utah Cultural Site Stewards program to watch over sensitive areas, but incidents like this highlight the limits of those efforts.
Calls for Stronger Protection
The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks condemned the vandalism in a statement posted on social media Sunday, saying it reflects the urgent need for restored staffing and oversight.
“This kind of vandalism scars irreplaceable landscapes and disrespects the places meant to inspire and unite us all,” the coalition wrote. “With most park staff furloughed during the shutdown, these incidents highlight the need for full protection across our parks.”
The coalition also urged the federal government to temporarily close park access during shutdowns to prevent further damage.
Widespread Damage Across U.S. Parks
Arches isn’t alone. Similar acts of vandalism have been reported at other protected sites nationwide, including Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania, where part of a historic stone wall was knocked over, according to the Gettysburg Foundation.
While the government shutdown may soon end, park officials warn that cleanup and restoration at Arches could take months. Graffiti removal on sandstone requires delicate chemical treatments to avoid permanently damaging the rock.
Protecting Utah’s Natural Treasures
The NPS urges visitors to report any vandalism or illegal activity they witness in the parks and to follow Leave No Trace principles — stay on trails, avoid touching rock surfaces, and never deface or carve into stone.
Anyone with information about the incident can contact the Arches National Park dispatch line or submit an anonymous tip through the NPS Investigative Services Branch.
