 | | "We encamped at the city of the rocks, a noted place from the granite rocks rising abruptly out of the ground," wrote James Wilkins in 1849. "They are in a romantic valley clustered together, which gives them the appearance of a city." Wilkins was among the first wagon travelers to fix the name City of Rocks to what looked like "a dismantled, rock-built city of the Stone Age." California Trail pioneers were leaving civilization as they knew it in the east for new lives in the west. Some wrote their names in axle grease on rock faces, and their signatures can be seen today. No doubt thirsty on this northern edge of the Great Basin Desert, one emigrant saw the distant rocks in August like "water thrown up into the air from numerous artificial hydrants." Beginning in 1843, City of Rocks was a landmark for emigrants on the California Trail and Salt Lake Alternate Trail and later on freight routes and the Kelton, Utah to Boise, Idaho stage route.The area's historical and geological values, scenery, and opportunities for recreation led to its designation as City of Rocks National Reserve in 1988. This unit of the National Park System is managed cooperatively by the National Park Service and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, who invite visitors to enjoy the wonders of the City of Rocks.City of Rocks offers scenic walks near the historic California Trail and opportunities for wildlife watching, photography, world-class technical rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, ice climbing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, picnicking, bird watching, and camping near rock formations.As part of Idaho's Minidoka Bird Refuge, the City of Rocks is home to eagles, falcons, vultures, hawks, hummingbirds, jays, sparrows, doves, and the state bird, the mountain bluebird. Mammals that live within the park include elk, mule deer, mountain lions, coyotes, badgers, bobcats, porcupines, ground squirrels, and bats. Reptiles such as the sand lizard, watersnake, blowsnake, rubber boa, and the park's only poisonous snake, the rattlesnake (found only at lower elevations), also live within the City of Rocks. All plants and animals are protected by law and should not be disturbed. |
| |  | | | Facilities: City Of Rocks National Reserve provides a visitor center. There are about 75 designated campsites in the reserve. Three group sites are available. There is one potable water source in the reserve. Most of the campsites among the rock formations are accessed from the road. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. There are no hook-ups, showers or dump stations. Vault toilets are located throughout the reserve. Reservations: City Of Rocks National Reserve accepts reservations for camping. Best Time To Visit: The reserve is open year-round. Reserve roads are subject to seasonal closure in the winter. Outdoor recreation at City Of Rocks National Reserve can be pleasant from April through October. Summers are generally dry; the 10 to 15 inches of precipitation fall mostly in winter and spring. Summer temperatures range wildly with nighttime lows occasionally approaching freezing and midday highs nearing 100 F. July and August also see afternoon thundershowers. Visitors should bring sunscreen to protect themselves from the very intense sunshine at high elevations. Fees: Camping fees are charged. Backcountry permits are free and available at the visitor center. Accessibility: Within the reserve, one restroom and some campsites are wheelchair accessible. At this time, none of the trails are wheelchair accessible. The visitor center in Almo is accessible. Rules: All plants and animals within the City Of Rocks National Reserve are protected by law and should not be disturbed. Biking and horseback riding are allowed on roads and designated trails only. Gathering of fire wood is prohibited. Bring your own wood or purchase at the visitor center. The leash law is in effect. All dogs must be on leash at all times. Directions: To reach City Of Rocks National Reserve from Burley, turn right onto ID-81 and follow it for 7.7 miles to ID-77. Turn right onto ID-77 and follow it for 19.7 miles. Turn right onto Elba-Almo Raod and follow it for 1.6 miles. Elba-Almo Road will become Elba-Almo Highway. Follow it for 2.4 miles. Turn left to continue following Elba-Almo Highway for 11.5 miles to Almo. The reserve is located just outside of Almo. | | |
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| | | | Address | | City of Rocks National Reserve | | P.O. Box 169 | | Almo, Idaho 83312 |
| | | Phone | | General: (208) 824-5519 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
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