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The Visitor Center is open April 1 through October 31, 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. From November 1 through March 31, it is open Monday – Friday – 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed on holidays. Reserve roads are generally impassable in the winter. Check with reserve headquarters for road closures at (208) 824-5519. The Visitor Center offers Reserve information, a gift shop, interpretive film and slide show and a small geology display.

The Reserve is managed by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation under a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service. City of Rocks encompasses 14,407 acres of land. It was established November 18, 1988. There is approximately 12 miles of road within the park. City of Rocks, an extraordinary encirclement of granite rising out of the gently rolling sagebrush country in south-central Idaho, has attracted and intrigued people since they first entered this region. The Shoshone camped here as did the emigrants traveling along the California Trail. There is evidence that the Shoshone gathered pinyon nuts in the fall and hunted in the City of Rocks until the mid 1900’s.

City of Rocks was a major landmark for emigrants traveling along the California Trail. This unique geological area provided rest and inspiration for the many weary travelers who were heading for Granite Pass and ultimately for California. Throughout the West immigrants recorded their passing by writing their names (often with axle grease) at unique places like City of Rocks. Camp Rock once contained hundreds of names. But these historic records are fast disappearing.

The City of Rocks stage station was a Home Station located at the head of Emigrant Canyon. Stage stations were located 10 to 15 miles apart at sites with water and grass for the horses. “Home Stations” were situated 50 to 60 miles apart and provided lodging for drivers and a meal for passengers.

The uplifted and eroded rocks at City of Rocks National Reserve are like an open window into the earth where visitor and scientist can view tectonic events that raised the mountainous interior of the western United States, and weather that shapes the current landscape. Distinctive landmarks such as the Twin Sisters formations are one of many spectacular sites in the Reserve. One Sister is 100 times older than the other. The granite is some of the oldest rock in the Lower 48 states. The mythical qualities of this unusual place all contribute to the vividness that makes the City of Rocks a memorable scenic landscape.

City of Rocks is an extraordinary encirclement of granite rising out of the gently rolling sagebrush country in south-central Idaho. The spires were weathered into the extraordinary shapes you see today. They rise out of the ground as high as 100-300 feet.

Situated in the northern Great Basin, the Reserve is a crossroads for many habitats, such as piñon-juniper woodlands, aspen-riparian communities, sagebrush steppe, mountain mahogany woodlands and high elevation meadows. Extensive plant surveys have been conducted within the Reserve, documenting over 450 species.

One of the reserve’s most notable qualities is its large degree of biological diversity concentrated in a relatively small area. The great variety of textures, colors, and shapes in the natural landscape contributes considerably to the reserve’s scenic quality. It is gently rolling sagebrush country in south-central Idaho. The Reserve boasts Idaho’s tallest pinyon pines, at more than 55 feet. These pinyon pine forests are the largest in Idaho. Other trees and shrubs to be seen are Box Elder, Rocky Mountain maple, Subalpine fir, Lodgepole pine, Limber pine, Douglas fir, Narrowleaf Cottonwood, Quaking Aspen, Lombardi poplar, Drummond’s willow, Whiplash willow, Siberian elm, Mountain Alder, Red Osier dogwood, Rocky Mountain juniper, Utah juniper, Golden current, Missouri gooseberry, Alpine Prickly current, Saskatoon serviceberry, Curleaf Mountain mahogany, and Snowbush Ceanothus.

Junipers are the most readily identified trees in the park and the most prevalent. Rocky Mountain juniper and Utah juniper are closely related and can be difficult to tell apart. The Rocky Mountain juniper is taller and may grow to between 30 and 40 feet tall. Its foliage is dark green, and the bark is broken into short, stringy scales that are outwardly a weathered gray, and underneath a reddish-brown. The wood is soft and smooth-grained with bright red heartwood and white sapwood. The branches spread horizontally and the leaves/scales are smooth. Its smaller berries are blue with a whitish cast, and are easily crushed between fingers.

Utah juniper is shrubbier than Rocky Mountain juniper, and seldom grows above 20 feet. The foliage is rusty-green. The bark is finely divided by deep, narrow furrows and is ash-gray. The wood is fairly brittle, has yellow heartwood, and white sapwood, and is not as aromatic as other junipers. The branches curve out and upward away from the trunk. The leaves/scales are pointed and the berries are a reddish-brown with a white cast. Its species name osteo means “bone”, and sperma, “seed”. The large bone-hard seeds are this juniper’s best identifier.

From March through October, blossoms and foliage of all colors beckon visitors to stop for a closer look. A checklist of 100 common and showy herbaceous (soft-stemmed) wildflowers provides a sample of what can be seen while visiting the parks. For those wanting to further their plant knowledge a checklist of 45 common woody plants at the Visitor Center provides detailed information on the parks trees, shrubs and vines. Some of the flowers to be seen are Western Virgin’s Bower, Wood’s Rose, Antelope Bitterbrush, Arrowroot Balsamroot, Mule’s Ear, Rubber Rabbitbrush, Snowberry, and Utah Serviceberry.

See historic signatures on rock spires written in axle grease by emigrants traveling the California Trail (1843-1869).

Over 22 miles of trails wind through the City of Rocks National Reserve. You will see arches, windows and dramatic overlooks. Trails vary from level and easy to steep and strenuous. Short walks to all-day hikes deep into the backcountry are available. Maps can be acquired at the visitor center. Enjoy hiking, horse back riding or mountain biking through granite spires surrounded by high desert flora and fauna.

At first glance, City of Rocks may appear to be a tough place for wildlife to survive, but diverse habitats at various elevations lead to an area of abundant wildlife. Wildlife viewing can be an exciting experience. To see as many different types as possible, include the following habitats in your search: pinyon-juniper-mahogany forest, aspen-riparian areas, sagebrush flats, and spruce-fir-pine forest above 7,000 feet.

The geologic features are internationally renowned for technical rock climbing. About 700 routes have been developed to date. 100 to 300-foot spires provide most of the climbing opportunities, although there are 600-foot spires which provide extended adventures.

Castle Rocks State Park, a former ranch, is one of Idaho’s newest state parks located adjacent to City of Rocks National Reserve. Its 1,440 acres include outstanding rock formations, early 20th century ranch structures and pastures. Facilities are still in development but recreational opportunities include rock climbing, picnicking, hiking, biking, horseback riding and superb bird watching.

City of Rocks is located in south-central Idaho on the northern edge of the Great Basin. Outdoor recreation can be pleasant from April through October. Summers are generally dry with 10 to 15 inches of precipitation falling mostly in winter and spring. Summer temperatures range widely with nighttime lows occasionally approaching freezing and midday highs nearing 100° F. July and August also see afternoon thundershowers.

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Never hike or rock climb alone. Drinking water is available at Emery Canyon Picnic area and Bath Rock parking lot.

Pets are welcome in the park, but you must keep them on a leash no longer than six feet, or confined to your camper.

Where hunting is allowed, seasons and bag limits are regulated by the Idaho Fish and Game Department. A hunting license and game tag must be with the hunter at all times. Before hunting, contact the Idaho Fish and Game Department for information on types of hunts, location maps, seasons, and current regulations.

The diverse habitat of the reserve supports a large variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates. It goes without saying that animals at City of Rocks are equipped with special adaptations to survive extreme conditions. During summer fauna are active at night, thereby escaping the often dry, hot days. Winter forces wildlife to migrate to better environments or to hibernate.

The high desert ecosystem and rocky cliffs of the Reserve provide excellent habitat for many birds of prey, including golden eagle, prairie falcon, red-tailed hawk, Swainson’s hawk, northern harrier, sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper’s hawk, American kestrel, and great-horned owl. Bald eagle and ferruginous hawk are also observed in winter, but with less frequency. Other bird species of interest include turkey vulture, sage grouse, piñon jay, Clark’s nutcracker, common nighthawk, cliff swallow, mountain bluebird, mountain chickadee, rock and canyon wrens, green-tailed towhee, Virginia’s warbler, western tanager and lazuli bunting.

Within City of Rocks and Almo Valley, 138 species have been documented, and are included on the Reserve’s bird checklist. The birding hotspots are Indian Grove, North Fork Circle Creek, Window Rock, and Emery Pass Picnic Area. At Castle Rocks try Stines Creek Picnic Area, Almo Creek Wetland Preserve, Edwards home site, and around the Ranch House orchard for great opportunities to see birds. The best birding months are May and June.

Most visitors to City of Rocks will observe mule deer, mountain cottontail, black-tailed jackrabbit, yellow-bellied marmot and golden-mantled and least chipmunks. The Reserve and surrounding area is also home to a number of species that rarely occur further north in Idaho such as piñon mouse, cliff chipmunk, ringtail, pygmy rabbit and desert bighorn sheep. Also documented within the reserve are the more elusive mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, and elk. Pronghorn antelope and bison were probably common in the area a century ago, but are no longer present. All documented mammals are included in the Reserve’s Wildlife Checklist.

While it is unlikely that you will even see a mountain lion, let alone have an encounter with one, you should be cautious while hiking. Keep small children close and if you encounter one, appear as large as possible and always face the cat. Mountain lions are often easily discouraged by aggressive behavior. Check out our Wildlife Precautions page for further safety tips.

Entrance fees are free.

The camping fee for one vehicle and one site is $12.00 + tax per night. $5.00 + tax is charged for an extra vehicle.

City of Rocks offers 64 standard tent sites in and among the granite formations, with easy access to trails and vistas. Clean vault toilets and water stations are centrally located. Most sites include a tent pad, picnic table and fire grill. A maximum of two vehicles, 8 people, and two tents are allowed at a single site. Reservations are recommended during the summer season. Reservations can be made by either online by clicking the “Online Reservations” link found at www.Idahoparks.org, or by calling (866) 634-3246 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (7 days a week) excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.

Castle Rocks State Park Smoky Mountain Campground is now open for RV camping. There are 38 campsites that offer 30 amp electrical and water service. Smoky Mountain Campground also features an RV dump station.

Lake Cleveland Recreation Area, Howell Canyon Pomerelle Recreation Area, Castle Rocks State Park, Pomerelle Ski Area, historic Oakley, Idaho, Sawtooth National Forest, Ashley National Forest, Salt Lake City, Utah, Yellowstone National Park, Craters of the Moon National Preserve, Golden Spike National Monument, Dinosaur National Monument, and Timpanogos Cave National Monument are all within driving distance of the Reserve.

From Boise, take I-84 East to exit 216 (Declo); go south on Idaho 77 to Conner Creek, then southwest on the Elba-Almo road to the visitor center in Almo and the park entrance. From Pocatello, take I-86 West to I-84 West to exit 216 and proceed as above.From Ogden and the Wasatch Front, take I-84 west to exit 245 (Sublette) and go west to Malta. From Malta take Idaho 77 to Conner Creek, then southwest on the Elba-Almo road to the visitor center in Almo and the park entrance. There is a seasonal summer route from Burley (Idaho 27) to Oakley, then south along the City of Rocks Back Country Byway.

There is no public transportation to the Reserve.

City of Rocks National Reserve

P.O. Box 169

Almo, ID 83312

Visitor Center and Headquarters (208) 824-5519

Fax (208) 824-5563

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