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.

Plan your visit Directions

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

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

Things to Do

27 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.

Snowshoeing

Get out and explore the winter trails.
- Winter
- Snowshoeing
Learn more about Snowshoeing on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)

Showing 1 of 1

All 41 activities in the park

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Camping

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

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 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

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…

Almo, ID (208) 824-5901 Directions

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

Get directions (opens in a new tab) Map & directions info

Contact the park

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

The majority of outcrops in City of Rocks and all of the pinnacles are either Almo Pluton or Green Creek Complex granite. — NPS Photo

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.

Get directions NPS directions Official NPS site

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

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City Of Rocks National Reserve

Overview