About City Of Rocks National Reserve
Described by California Trail emigrants as “a city of tall spires,” “steeple rocks,” and “the silent city,” this awe-inspiring landscape continues to captivate. Today, it beckons rock climbers, hikers, campers, hunters, and adventurers with its dramatic scenery, fascinating geology, and echoes of the Old West. The Silent City is ready for you to explore.
Plan a Visit
Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.
Weather & Conditions
City of Rocks is located in south-central Idaho within the northern edge of the Basin and Range geologic province. Outdoor recreation can be pleasant from April through October. Summers are generally dry with 10 to 15 inches of precipitation in winter and spring. Summer temperatures range widely with night time…
NPS Reference Location
Park state / territory membership: Idaho. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.
Operating Hours
The National Reserve is open 365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24hrs/day. Many roads are not maintained during the winter and may become impassable from late November through May. For current conditions visitors are encouraged to check with the Visitor Center or watch for alerts on our website and social media.
Activities
Getting There
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.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Winter Camping
Immerse yourself in the solitude of the "Silent City".
Explore the Night Sky
A day in the park doesn't have to end when the sun goes down! A whole new world comes alive…
Become a City of Rocks Junior Ranger
Junior Rangers "Explore, Learn, and Protect" their national parks. Pick up a free booklet from the Visitor Center to learn…
Geologic & Historic Sites Driving Tour
A self-guided journey to discovering geologic wonders and historical sites in City of Rocks National Reserve. As you drive through…
Disc Golf at Castle Rocks
With the dramatic Castle Rocks landscape in the backdrop, this small three-hole disc golf course is fun for all ages…
Rock Climbing in City of Rocks and Castle Rocks
Popular since the 1970's, City of Rocks granite is internationally renowned among climbers. There are over 600 routes here, both…
More Things to Do
Additional activities and experiences from the National Park Service.
Hunting in City of Rocks and Castle Rocks
City of Rocks National Reserve was formed in part to preserve traditional uses of the land. It is one of few National Park System…
Archery Course at Castle Rocks
This course at Castle Rocks State Park has more than 20 stations. Shot distance ranges from 20 yards to 60 yards depending on target…
Bike the Tea Kettle Trail
Tea Kettle Trail is a great mountain biking trail that runs between Bread Loaves and Elephant Rock. The trailhead can be accessed…
Winter Photography
Capture spectacular winter views.
Winter Birding
Spot over 40 species during winter months.
Snowshoeing
Get out and explore the winter trails.
Skiing
Tour the frosty granite spires.
Ice Climbing
Explore epic rock and ice.
Horseback Riding in City of Rocks
Horseback riding can be one of the best ways to experience much of the Reserve's backcountry.
History of Pinnacle Pass Guided Hike
Join rangers on a short 1.10 mile guided hike to Pinnacle Pass. This feature of the California Trail is located on private…
Hike the Geological Interpretive Trail
City of Rocks is well known for its geologic wonders. The Geological Interpretive Trail will guide you through many types of unique…
Hike Creekside Towers Trail
Creekside Towers is an out-and-back 1.2-mile trail. Nearby trails (such as Stairways or South Fork Circle Creek) could make for a longer,…
Showing 18 of 27 NPS Things to Do records available for City Of Rocks National Reserve.
Visitor Centers
City of Rocks Visitor Center
The Visitor Center for City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park is located just outside the National Reserve in the community of…
Campgrounds
City of Rocks Campground
Camping in City of Rocks is a great way to enjoy being out in nature. Relax beneath the cool shade of aspen, juniper, mountain mahogany,…
Smoky Mountain Campground
There are 38 campsites available, 9 of which are pull-through. Sites 11 and 24 are designated ADA accessible. A separate loop with 6 sites accommodates…
Nearby National Park Service Sites
These sites are ordered by straight-line distance between NPS reference coordinates. This is useful for comparison, but it is not road mileage. Trails, parkways, rivers, and distributed units may extend far from their reference point.
Nearby Cities for Trip Planning
These cities are ordered by straight-line distance from the NPS reference coordinate. They are comparison starting points, not official park gateways or road-distance estimates. Trails and other distributed units may extend far beyond this reference point.
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