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
November 17, 2009
The visitor center is open weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except winter holidays. Castle Rocks is open year-round, although the entrance road may be impassable due to snow.
Ranch House facilities have been winterized for the winter season. Smoky Mountain Campground is available for use but the water has been turned off for the year.
The winter season is fast approaching with temperatures in the mid 40’s and lows in the low 20's.
The Elba-Almo Road, which has been undergoing reconstruction for several years, is now complete. The road meets state of Idaho standards and is safe and suitable for all RV's and trailers. 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.