On his way to California in 1849, emigrant James F. Wilkens described the dramatic geological area he encountered as "City of Rocks." The name remains, as well as hundreds of pioneer inscriptions, wagon ruts, and journal accounts, testifying to the nearly quarter-million people who traveled through here between 1843 and 1869. Visitors today will see nearly the same scene - granite spires and monoliths reaching 60 stories tall. Geologists estimate the oldest granite to exceed 2.5 billion years old. Climbers find the younger granite of the Almo Pluton to be some of the best rock they've ever ascended. Established by Congress in 1988 as a National Reserve, City of Rocks encompasses 14,407 acres of federal, state, and private lands containing grand scenery, rich cultural history, and places of relative solitude and silence. The Reserve's visitor center in Almo provides interpretive exhibits and detailed information about camping, hiking, and other recreational opportunities.
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!
Nestled amidst the mountain peaks of the Albion Mountain Range lies City of Rocks National Reserve. Embracing a sagebrush steppe valley, spectacular granite rock formations, pinon/juniper tree stands and alpine-like meadows, the reserve presents an inspirational landscape. Recreational activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, rock climbing, backpacking, Nordic skiing, photography and horseback riding. The City of Rocks Visitor Center is located in Almo. An all-weather route through Almo is open year-round. The City of Rocks Backcountry Byway through the reserve may become impassable in winter. Check with the park for the most current road conditions.
Geology
Some of the granitic rock formations here are 2.5 billion years old. They are among the oldest formations found in the United States. The fantastic rocks are shaped by weathering. Many people see animals, faces, or buildings in the rocks. What you see is limited only by your imagination.
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.
Climbing
City of Rocks is one of the finest granite-face-climbing sites anywhere. About 700 routes have been developed to date. One hundred to 300-foot spires provide most of the climbing opportunities, although there are 600-foot spires which provide extended adventures. Privately published climbing guides, available for sale at Reserve headquarters, are the best source of information for the serious climber. Check at headquarters for climbing restrictions. The City of Rocks area was an important landmark on the California Trail. Pioneer diaries from 1843 on describe the rocks in vivid detail as “a city of tall spires,” “steeple rocks” and a display of “all manner of fantastic shapes.”
Camping
Camping is at designated standard sites.
Additional information about City of Rocks National Reserve, see the National Parks Service website.