City Of Rocks National Reserve

About

City of Rocks National Reserve protects a unique high-desert landscape where massive granite spires and pinnacles rise abruptly from the sagebrush, some reaching 60 stories tall. Located 45 miles south of Burley near Almo, the reserve sits at elevations between 5,500 and 8,867 feet. The granite formations were carved by wind and water over millions of years and served as a landmark along the California Trail for emigrant wagon trains in the 1840s-1860s. The reserve offers two distinct camping areas. City of Rocks Campground has 64 standard sites and 3 group sites dispersed among the granite formations, with vault toilets and seasonal water at Bath Rock. Smoky Mountain Campground provides 38 sites with 30-amp electric hookups, seasonal water and flush toilets/showers (May through September), and an RV dump station. Sites 11 and 24 at Smoky Mountain are ADA accessible. Nine pull-through sites accommodate larger rigs, though RV length is limited to 28 feet maximum. The reserve is internationally recognized for rock climbing with over 700 routes on more than 300 formations. Hiking trails wind through the formations, and the area is designated an International Dark Sky Park, making it exceptional for stargazing. Reservations are required year-round through Idaho Parks and Recreation.

Directions

From Burley, Idaho: Head south on Highway 27 through Oakley (unpaved/washboarded road) or take the paved route through Almo from the north. The reserve is approximately 45 miles south of Burley. GPS: 3035 S Elba-Almo Rd, Almo, ID 83312.