City Of Rocks National Reserve

National Park Service, Idaho.

Emigrants of the California Trail describe the rocks here in vivid detail as "a city of tall spires,” “steeple rocks," and "the silent city." Today, this backcountry byway attracts rock climbers, campers, hikers, hunters, and those with the spirit of adventure. There's inspirational scenery, exceptional opportunities for geologic study, and remnants of the Old West awaiting your discovery.

Nearby Activities

  • Auto Touring
  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Historic & Cultural Site
  • Horse Camping
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hunting
  • Picnicking
  • Wildlife Viewing

Directions

From Boise: take I-84 East to exit 216 (Declo); go south on Highway 77 to Conner Creek Junction; turn right (west) on Highway 77 Spur to Almo. The visitor center and the park entrance are south of the post office and businesses. From Pocatello: take I-86 West to I-84 West to exit 216 and proceed as above. From Salt Lake City: take I-84 west to exit 245 (Sublette), turn left and go west to Malta. From Malta take Highway 77. Take Highway 77 Spur to Almo.

Additional Information

  • City Of Rocks National Reserve Map
  • City Of Rocks National Reserve Official Website

Photo Gallery

  • Silent City of RocksWinter is a great time to experience quiet and solitude in City of Rocks.
  • City of Rocks National Reserve
  • Circle Creek BasinDuring the summer months cattle can be seen grazing in the lush meadows of Circle Creek Basin.
  • Circle Creek BasinDuring the summer months cattle can be seen grazing in the lush meadows of Circle Creek Basin.
  • Replica Emigrant Wagons at City of RocksNearly 250,000 California-bound emigrants traveled through City of Rocks (1843-1882)
  • Grand Autumn View of City of RocksCity of Rocks offers sweeping vistas and awe-inspiring scenery.
  • WildflowersMany species of wildflowers can be seen in spring and early summer.
  • North Fork Circle CreekThe majority of outcrops in City of Rocks and all of the pinnacles are either Almo Pluton or Green Creek Complex granite.
  • Window Arch at City of RocksForces of nature sculpt unexpected features in granite such as Window Arch
  • Emigrant Signatures at City of RocksCalifornia-bound emigrants painted their signature on Register Rock in 1850
  • Twin SistersTwin Sisters may be similar in size and shape, but one is 2.5 billion years old, the younger sister is only 28 million years old.
  • View from North ForkThe majority of outcrops in City of Rocks and all of the pinnacles consist of intrusive igneous rock with a granitic composition.
  • City of Rocks National ReserveCampsites are nestled here in the Elephant Rock Basin
  • City of Rocks National ReserveCampsites are nestled here in the Elephant Rock Basin
  • Climber on Morning Glory SpireOver half of the 100,000 annual visitors to City of Rocks come to experience climbing
  • Window ArchWindow Arch is one of many impressive rock features found in City of Rocks.
  • Stormy Spring WeatherSpring is a beautiful time to visit City of Rocks.
  • Indian Grove OverlookThe majority of outcrops in City of Rocks and all of the pinnacles are either Almo Pluton or Green Creek Complex granite.
  • City of RocksCity of Rocks offers sweeping vistas and awe-inspiring scenery.

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