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City of Rocks - National Reserve
P.O. Box 169
Almo, ID 83312-0169
Phone: 208-824-5519
Granite columns, some reaching 60 stories tall, loom high above this 500-acre area. Accessible by foot, it is well worth the walk to see inscriptions left by pioneers and written in axle grease on many spires. Established in 1988, the Reserve encompasses 14,300 acres of land (about 1/2 is privately owned) renowned for its scenic, geologic and historic significance. Many of the granitic rock formations that are the outstanding features of the Reserve are over 2.5 billion years old, some of the oldest rocks found in North America. The rocks were shaped by weathering forces to form the fantastic shapes you see today.
City of Rocks is one of the finest technical rock climbing sites anywhere. About 350 routes have been described to date. One hundred-to-300 foot spires provide most of the climbing opportunities. Historical notes: During the Westward expansion the City of Rocks area was an important landmark along the California Trail. Many pioneers left their names written in axle grease on the rocks adjacent to the trail. The Kelton-Boise stage route also traveled through the Reserve. Remains of the station site are still visible.
Authorized Nov. 18, 1988. Administered cooperatively by the National Park Service and the Idaho
Department of Parks and Recreation.
Recreation Information
Roads within the Reserve are dirt, but maintained. The roads area typically closed in mid-winter due to snow. Please inquire locally for updated conditions.
RECREATION: Rock Climbing, Hiking, Mountain Bike, Picnic Area, Scenic Drive,
Walking, Camping
FACILITIES: Parking, Vault Toilets, Primitive Campsites
CAMPING: The Reserve has about 100 established primitive campsites. Some of the sites have tables and grills. A camping fee (effective May 20, 1993) of $5.00 per night per vehicle is charged. A second vehicle at the same site is $4.00, with a maximum of 8 people and 2 vehicles per site. Water is available at Emery Pass and firewood is available for a fee at the Ranger Station in Almo. It is recommended that you bring your own wood.
FEE: Camping Fee
Directions
From Interstate 84 east of Burley exit onto Idaho 77 south and go 23 miles south to Conner Creek. Turn right at the main intersection and go 16 miles to Almo. Go one mile past Almo, turn right and go four miles. As an alternate route, from Oakley on Idaho 27 turn east for one mile, then turn south on Birch Creek Road for 14 miles (graveled roads). Turn east up Emery Canyon Road for two miles to the City of Rocks.
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