Castle Rocks is a dramatic geological area of granite spires and monoliths similar to its larger neighbor, City of Rocks, to the north. The 1,440-acre Ranch Unit encompasses a portion of the rocks, as well as remnants of its ranching history, Indian pictographs, and superb recreational opportunities. This unit includes two picnic areas, miles of multiple-use trails, and excellent sport climbing routes. Castle Rocks State Park includes two other park units near Almo: Smoky Mountain (240-acres), and the Administrative Unit (12-acres). Smoky Mountain Unit offers 38 campsites (6 are open to equestrian campers), RV dumpstation, and equestrian trail head for the historic California Trail. The Administrative Unit includes the visitor center for Castle Rocks and City of Rocks, a picnic area, historic wagons exhibit, and park offices.
The Park Today
June 15, 2009
The visitor center is open every day, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All facilities and services are available and fully operational. Water is available at all locations.
Motorists, please be advised of road construction on Elba-Almo Road. Construction crews will be working on the Elba-Almo Road for approximately 4.5 miles between the Highway 77 junction at Conner Creek and the community of Elba. The road may be reduced to one lane and motorists should expect delays up to 15 minutes or longer. Large RV’s and trailers should also take note of these rough road conditions.
This section of road will also be closed to all traffic on June 14th through June 16th from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Alternate routes are available to City of Rocks and Castle Rocks State Park as follows:
Getting to the Park: From Boise and the west take I-84 to Exit 208 (Burley); go south on Idaho 27 to Oakley then south on Birch Creek Road to an alternate park entrance at Emery Canyon. From Salt Lake City take I-84 to exit 5 near Snowville; proceed on Utah 30 and 42 then turn west on Strevell Road. Follow the signs to the Reserve. From Pocatello and Idaho Falls, take I-86 and I-84 head southeast to exit 228 (Malta) turn south onto Idaho 81; proceed 10 miles to the EY Road. Then turn right (SW) on the EY Road for approximately 11 miles to the Narrows Road. Continue west on the Narrows Road for 8 miles to Almo.
All businesses in Almo are operational for the season. Lodging, dining, camping supplies, gasoline, diesel, ATM, and internet service are locally available.
Enjoy your visit!
Idaho's newest state park features giant granite spires known collectively as Castle Rocks. Congress authorized the National Park Service to purchase Castle Rock Ranch in November 2000. the Park Service exchanged the ranch for land owned by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation inside Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument. The exchange was completed in 2004. Some of the geologic features are outside the park, but within the Castle Rocks Interagency Recreation Area. The department has partnered with the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service to manage recreation throughout the Castle Rocks geologic area.
What to See
The 1,240-acre ranch includes examples of early 20th Century ranching structures, irrigated pasture and striking scenery. Some spires rival nearby City of Rocks National Reserve, and offer exceptional rock climbing (click here for climbing guides to Zone 1 -10MB file, and Zone 2 -15MB file). Other recreational opportunities include picnicking, hiking, equestrian trails, and wildlife viewing. Mule deer, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, and the state’s first recorded ringtail are found here. Bird watching is superb, with nesting populations of common snipe, sandhill crane and sage grouse frequently encountered.
The park also protects some of the most pristine archeological sites in southern Idaho. Evidence suggests that Castle Rocks was favored by different cultures over the previous 2,470 years. Portions of the park are included in the City of Rocks National Historic Landmark.
The image below provides a 360 degree view of the park. Left click to move within the image. Pressing the shift key will allow you to zoom in. Ctrl allows you to zoom out.
Camping
There is primitive camping available nearby in the City of Rocks National Reserve.
What to Expect
The park currently operates from 7 am to 10 pm. A motor vehicle entrance fee is charged. The Ranch House is open most days from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and contains exhibits about the park and ranching heritage. Maps, brochures, guidebooks and souvenirs are available.