twentynine palms >> Two remote former mining sites in Joshua Tree National Park have been closed — indefinitely.

The theft of a heavy ore car and other items has resulted in the recent closures. And in recent years, Joshua Tree National Park has had a rash of vandalism forcing the closure of multiple areas.

“Some members of the public do not realize that the historical and archeological significance of places like this are protected to preserve our heritage for all Americans to see,” said David Smith, Joshua Tree National Park superintendent.

The most recent closures are to Carey’s Castle cabin and gold mine and the El Sid gold mine, both in the southeast portion of the park, Smith said.

The historically significant sites require miles-long hikes to acces, Smith said, El Cid is a hike of about two miles from the nearest road, while Carey’s Castle is about four miles. Both sites are archeologically significant as well.

But some are illegally driving to the historic sites and taking things, Smith said, as was the case with the ore car from Carey’s Castle.

Smith says both will remain off limits until an archeological survey is completed and until a way to secure them has been determined.

There are several options being looked at, according to Smith, they include increased patrols to those areas and placement of cameras to record acts of vandalism or theft.

About a year ago the area near Barker Dam reopened after nearly two years. Before the closure, nearly 50 percent of the structure was covered with carved initials.

A specialized restoration team from the University of New Mexico repaired the damage.

Less than two miles away, some of the remaining walls to the “Pink House,” site of a 1930’s era homestead, were vandalized.

In 2013, Rattlesnake Canyon, a day-use area in the Park, was closed for several months because of graffiti.