Hiking spot dubbed 'Jim Morrison Cave' closed to public due to graffiti

MALIBU, Calif. (KABC) -- Public access to a popular hiking destination known as the Jim Morrison Cave has been closed after California State Parks officials said the graffiti is out of control.

The Corral Canyon Cave is deep in the mountains of Malibu Creek State Park. The cave was named after the Doors' frontman who has never actually stepped foot in it.

Craig Sap, district superintendent for state parks, said the graffiti has become a growing problem.

"Typically, people will be arrested, cited and booked. The restitution is very substantial. It can be up to several to $10,000 per incident," he said.

As the Eyewitness News crew ventured to the cave, a park ranger found a group from Texas packing three cans of spray paint. They said they wanted to honor a woman's son who died last year. They received a citation.

Park rangers said social media posts are inspiring others to leave their mark on the cave. Now that it's off-limits, the state will spend about $40,000 to scrub off all the graffiti. But vandals have aimed outside of the cave as well.

"Several hundred a week are heading up there. Most of them aren't engaging in this activity - just a few. But those few have done substantial damage," Sap said.

Parks reps aren't sure when the cave will reopen to the public, but the graffiti problem doesn't seem to be slowing down.