City Of Rocks National Reserve

Archeology of Castle Rocks Guided Hike

During this 1.10 mile ranger guided hike you will get to explore the archaeology of Castle Rocks State Park. The hike is easy to moderate with some elevation change. You will explore Native American pictographs, petroglyphs, and a rock shelter that was occupied for hundreds of years. Through this hike you will get a sense of what the landscape and everyday life was like thousands of years ago.

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 size.

Backcountry Camping in Indian Grove

Backcountry camping is available in the designated Indian Grove area within City of Rocks National Reserve. Permits are required for backcountry camping and must be approved prior to your arrival.

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 about geology, nature, and history in City of Rocks National Reserve. Complete fun activities like scavenger hunts, fill-in-the-blanks, and word searches. Once you've finished the recommended number of activities, turn in the booklet, take the park oath, and earn your Junior Ranger Badge!

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 from the Bread Loaves group camping parking lot or the parking area next to Elephant Rock. From one end to the other, the trail is 3 miles. Mountain bikers can connect with other trails or ride on the road to create loops and longer rides.

Birding in the City of Rocks Checklist Area

Few places in Idaho other than the City of Rocks Checklist Area offer such a high concentration of bird species, making this a top birding destination. The Checklist Area includes the National Reserve, Castle Rocks State Park, and the Almo and Upper Raft River valleys. These are some of the best locations in the Idaho for observing Pinyon Jay, Virginia's Warbler, Gray Flycatcher, Juniper Titmouse, Bushtit, Greater Sage-Grouse, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and Plumbeous Vireo.

Camping

Camping in City of Rocks, or nearby Smoky Mountain Campground is a great way to enjoy being out in nature. Relax beneath the cool shade of aspen, juniper, mountain mahogany, or pine. Spend the night surrounded by impressive granite formations and starry skies.

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 and abilities. The lush grassy area of Castle Rocks Ranch has large shady trees that provide a welcome reprieve from summer heat. There are bathrooms, and picnic facilities in this area with more a short distance up the road at Stines Creek.

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 at night and is waiting to be explored. The dark sky over City of Rocks is an excellent place to experience the beauty of the night.

Fishing at the Castle Rocks Fish Pond

Besides fishing, the pond is also a great place to watch birds and wildlife. There is a walking path, benches to sit and enjoy the scenery, as well as a picnic table and fire ring.

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 the Reserve you will be able to view the featured rock formations and historic sites from your vehicle. Use your imagination as you observe the rocks to see animals, faces, and buildings and experience what it might have been like in this area in the past as you explore remnants of history.

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, more adventurous loop. The gentle grade of 122 feet relative elevation is suitable for families with children or anyone looking for an easier hike. In spring and early summer enjoy the running creek and small cascading waterfall. Outstanding scenery, sculpted granite pinnacles, and a diversity of plants and animals await you.

Hike the City of Rocks Loop

This remote loop hike is a ranger favorite. The combination of pine trees, rock formations, and epic views offer a surprise at every turn of the trail.

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 rock features and formations and explain the forces that created them. There are 12 interpretive stations along the 0.5 mile trail. The trail rises 160 feet in elevation, makes a loop, then retraces much of the same route back for a total of 1 mile.

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 land and only accessible to the public through this hike. The hike is easy to moderate, with a small hill leading up to the pass. Along the way you will see where the California Trail went south and met with the Salt Lake Alternate Trail, you will see emigrant signatures, and it is common to see snakes and fairy shrimp!

Horseback Riding in City of Rocks

Horseback riding can be one of the best ways to experience much of the Reserve's backcountry.

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 units that allows hunting. State and federal land around the Reserve, such as Castle Rocks State Park, Sawtooth National Forest, and BLM, are also open to hunting.

Ice Climbing

Explore epic rock and ice.

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 traditional and sport. Climbs vary from 30-600 feet, rating from the relatively easy 5.6 to the extremely difficult 5.14.

Shop for Souvenirs at the Visitor Center

Stop in to chat with a Ranger or pick up maps, guide booklets, and other informative resources. We offer souvenirs such as books, mugs, apparel, postcards, stickers and more.

Skiing

Tour the frosty granite spires.

Snowmobiling

Take the road less traveled.

Snowshoeing

Get out and explore the winter trails.

Wayside Exhibits Loop at the Visitor Center

This short 0.23 mile loop trail behind the Visitor Center will introduce you to some of the resources that make City of Rocks special. You can see up close examples of the wagons emigrants used as they traveled along the California Trail. 

Winter Birding

Spot over 40 species during winter months.

Winter Camping

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

Winter Photography

Capture spectacular winter views.