Snow dusted granite formations jut up from a mountainous juniper covered landscape. Photo: NPS Photo

City Of Rocks National Reserve

National Reserve · Idaho

Described by California Trail emigrants as “a city of tall spires,” “steeple rocks,” and “the silent city,” this awe-inspiring landscape continues to captivate.

  • LocationAlmo, ID
  • Entrance No fee listed
  • HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
  • Weather now71°F Overcast
  • Alerts No active alerts

Overview

Today, it beckons rock climbers, hikers, campers, hunters, and adventurers with its dramatic scenery, fascinating geology, and echoes of the Old West. The Silent City is ready for you to explore.

Topics
  • Animals
  • Arts
  • Astronomy
  • Birds
  • Coniferous Forests
  • Explorers and Expeditions
  • Farming and Agriculture
  • Fire
16 more topics
  • Fish
  • Forests and Woodlands
  • Geology
  • Homesteading
  • Mountains
  • Native American Heritage
  • Natural Sounds
  • Night Sky
  • Photography
  • Ranches
  • Rock Landscapes and Features
  • Scenic Views
  • The Gold Rush
  • Trails
  • Westward Expansion
  • Wilderness
3 silhouetted foggy granite formations highlighted by golden sunlight.
City of Rocks offers sweeping vistas and awe-inspiring scenery. — NPS Photo

Camping

2 campgrounds listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.

  • Camping Under the Milky Way

    City of Rocks Campground

    Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground

    Camping in City of Rocks 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…

    Reservation website

    City of Rocks National Reserve Visitor Center, Almo, ID Directions

    Details
    Camping in City of Rocks 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. There are 64 standard campsites and 3 group sites to choose from with easy access to climbing, hiking trails, and vistas.
  • Smoky Mountain Campsite

    Smoky Mountain Campground

    Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground

    There are 38 campsites available, 9 of which are pull-through. Sites 11 and 24 are designated ADA accessible. A separate loop with 6 sites accommodates equestrian…

    Reservation website

    Directions

    Details
    There are 38 campsites available, 9 of which are pull-through. Sites 11 and 24 are designated ADA accessible. A separate loop with 6 sites accommodates equestrian campers. - water service May-September - 30 amp electrical hook-ups - fire-ring/ground grill - picnic table - partial shade There are flush toilets and showers open May-September and a vault toilet open year-round at the equestrian trail head. An RV dump station is provided near the campground entrance.

Facilities & Services

Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.

Other Visitor Services

  • Morning at the Visitor Center

    City of Rocks Visitor Center

    Facility

    The Visitor Center for City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park is located just outside the National Reserve in the community of Almo. Stop in to chat…

    Details
    The Visitor Center for City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park is located just outside the National Reserve in the community of Almo. Stop in to chat with a Ranger or pick up maps, guide booklets, and other informative resources. We also offer souvenirs such as books, mugs, apparel, postcards, and stickers.

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Open 24 hours, daily · City of Rocks National Reserve

Hours details
  • City of Rocks National ReserveOpen 24 hours, daily

    The National Reserve is open 365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24hrs/day. Many roads are not maintained during the winter and may become impassable from late November through May. For current conditions visitors are encouraged to check with the Visitor Center or watch for alerts on our website and social media.

Entrance fees

No entrance fees listed.

Address

City of Rocks National Reserve, 3035 Elba-Almo Road
Almo, ID 83312

Weather & conditions

71°F
Overcast · feels like 64°
  • Today 78° 54°
    Sunny
    3% rain
  • Tomorrow 75° 52°
    Sunny
    2% rain
  • Sunday 79° 57°
    Sunny
    1% rain

Updated 5 hr ago

What to expect by season

City of Rocks is located in south-central Idaho within the northern edge of the Basin and Range geologic province. Outdoor recreation can be pleasant from April through October. Summers are generally dry with 10 to 15 inches of precipitation in winter and spring. Summer temperatures range widely with night time lows occasionally approaching freezing and midday highs nearing 100° F; however, the typical range of low and high temperature is 45-85. Thunderstorms are common in the summer months (June - August)

Photos

3 more photos

Getting There

City of Rocks National Reserve, 3035 Elba-Almo Road
Almo, ID 83312

From Boise: take I-84 East to exit 216 (Declo); go south on Highway 77 to Conner Creek Junction; turn right (west) on Highway 77 Spur to Almo. The visitor center and the park entrance are south of the post office and businesses.

Full directions

From Pocatello: take I-86 West to I-84 West to exit 216 and proceed as above. From Salt Lake City: take I-84 west to exit 245 (Sublette), turn left and go west to Malta. From Malta take Highway 77. Take Highway 77 Spur to Almo.

Mailing address: City of Rocks National Reserve, Almo, ID 83312

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