Overview
A brief introduction to City Of Rocks National Reserve
The City of Rocks National Reserve, also known as the Silent City of Rocks, is a United States National Reserve and state park in south-central Idaho, approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) north of the border with Utah. It is widely known for its enormous granite rock formations and excellent rock climbing.
The rock spires in the City of Rocks and adjacent Castle Rocks State Park are largely composed of granitic rock of the Oligocene Almo pluton and Archean Green Creek Complex. City of Rocks is also a popular rock climbing area, with over 1,000 traditional and bolt-protected routes. In the 1980s, it was home to some of the most difficult routes in the country, mostly developed by Idaho climber Tony Yaniro. Climbers in the region refer to the area as simply "The City".
During the 1840s and 1850s, wagon trains on the California Trail left the Raft River valley and traveled through the area and over Granite Pass into Nevada. Names or initials of emigrants written in axle grease are still visible on Register Rock, and ruts from wagon wheels can be seen in some of the rocks.
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Scan for cancellationsContact City Of Rocks National Reserve
- Reserve America
- Booking site: https://www.reserveamerica.com
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Other nearby parks
Open to camping at other nearby parks? Here are a few other parks you'll find in the vicinity.
Reviews
Camper reviews for City Of Rocks National Reserve
A Hidden Gem
City of Rocks (Idaho) is a true hidden gem. It's jointly managed by the NPS and Idaho State Parks. The geologic formations are incredible (see pics). The NPS app includes a lot of good information for the park, included guided audio tours. The signage is very good, too. There are two distinct campground areas. The NPS campsites are right in the Reserve and are all dry camping spots - very beautiful. We camped in the Smoky Mountain section, which is located in a beautiful piñon forest with hookups, bathrooms and showers, Very nicely maintained.
Map
View a map of City Of Rocks National Reserve
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