City Of Rocks National Reserve

Snow dusted granite formations jut up from a mountainous juniper covered landscape.
Explore the City
3 silhouetted foggy granite formations highlighted by golden sunlight.
City of Rocks offers sweeping vistas and awe-inspiring scenery.
Grand scenic view looking down from a high elevation. Granite spires jut up from the landscape.
The majority of outcrops in City of Rocks and all of the pinnacles are either Almo Pluton or Green Creek Complex granite.
Two granite pinnacles right next to each other that are similar in size and shape.
Twin 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.
A granite arch is displayed on the horizon
Forces of nature sculpt unexpected features in granite such as Window Arch
Replica emigrant wagons rest unhitched at sunrise
Nearly 250,000 California-bound emigrants traveled through City of Rocks (1843-1882)
Emigrant signature written with axle-grease on granite
California-bound emigrants painted their signature on Register Rock in 1850
A climber ascends a granite spire with mountains in the distance.
Over half of the 100,000 annual visitors to City of Rocks come to experience climbing
Granite arch with sunset peeking through.
Window Arch is one of many impressive rock features found in City of Rocks.
Photos: National Park Service

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.

Quick Facts

State Idaho
Designation National Reserve
State Code ID
Weather 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…

Location & Map

City Of Rocks National Reserve is located in Idaho.

Operating Hours

The National Reserve is open 365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Many roads are not maintained during the winter and may become impassable from late November through March. For current conditions visitors are encouraged to check with the Visitor Center or watch for alerts on our website and social media. During summer the Visitor Center is open every day 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. During fall/winter the Visitor Center is open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Tuesday-Saturday, closed Sundays, Mondays, and holidays.

Wednesday All Day
Monday All Day
Thursday All Day
Sunday All Day
Tuesday All Day
Friday All Day
Saturday All Day

Activities

Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Astronomy Stargazing Biking Mountain Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Group Camping RV Camping Climbing Rock Climbing Ice Climbing Fishing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Self-Guided Tours - Auto Hiking Horse Trekking Horse Camping (see also camping) Horseback Riding Hunting and Gathering Hunting Ice Skating Living History First Person Interpretation Junior Ranger Program Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Snow Play Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs

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 Directions

Contact & Address

Address City of Rocks National Reserve, Almo, ID, 83312
Phone 208-824-5901

Topics & Themes

Arts Photography Explorers and Expeditions Farming and Agriculture Ranches Native American Heritage Westward Expansion Homesteading The Gold Rush Animals Birds Fish Fire Forests and Woodlands Coniferous Forests Geology Mountains Natural Sounds Night Sky Astronomy Rock Landscapes and Features Scenic Views Trails Wilderness

Things To Do

Winter Camping

Winter Camping

Immerse yourself in the solitude of the "Silent City".

Explore the Night Sky

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…

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

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…

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

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…

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

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…

Disc Golf

Rock Climbing in City of Rocks and Castle Rocks

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…

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…

Hours: STANDARD HOURS: The Visitor Center is open 7 days a week, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, including holidays. FALL/WINTER SEASON: Mid October through mid April. The Visitor Center is open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday through Saturday (closed Sundays, Mondays, and legal holidays).

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,…

67 Sites

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…

38 Sites

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