Overview

Hype:

The City of Rocks National Reserve is a United States National Reserve lying 2 miles north of the south central Idaho border with Utah. It is widely known for its excellent rock climbing and rock formations. 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. The City of Rocks is 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 US, mostly developed by Idaho climber Tony Yaniro. Climbers in the region refer to the area as simply 'The City'.

Time:

Fees: Entrance fee

Recommended Ages:

0-3
4-11
12-19
20-49
50-69
70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Features:
  • Hoodoos
  • Wayfinding
  • Road Access is Dirt - Low Clearance
  • Access Road is 2WD Accessible
  • Trad Climbing Routes
  • Sport Climbing Routes
  • Viewpoint, Overlooks, Vistas
  • National Recreation Area

Links: www.nps.gov
en.wikipedia.org

Getting There

Navigate to 42.091378, -113.632507.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Cassia County, Idaho

Coordinates: 42.091378, -113.632507

Interactive Guide Map

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August 1, 1991 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Greg Dye, Laura Dye, Jeremy Dye, Anthony Dye, Extended Burnett Family,

Story

This was the first official, organized Burnett family reunion. We camped at Lake Cleveland, which was freezing cold. We took a day trip to City of Rocks and played in the boulder fields. 

Pictures