City Of Rocks National Reserve • Idaho

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

3 silhouetted foggy granite formations highlighted by golden sunlight.

Grand scenic view looking down from a high elevation. Granite spires jut up from the landscape.

Two granite pinnacles right next to each other that are similar in size and shape.

A granite arch is displayed on the horizon

Replica emigrant wagons rest unhitched at sunrise

Emigrant signature written with axle-grease on granite

A climber ascends a granite spire with mountains in the distance.

Granite arch with sunset peeking through.

Snowy granite pinnacles.

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

Explore the City
NPS Photo

City of Rocks offers sweeping vistas and awe-inspiring scenery.
NPS Photo

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

Twin Sisters may be similar in size and shape, but one is 2.5 billion years old, the younger sister is only 28 million years old.
NPS Photo

Forces of nature sculpt unexpected features in granite such as Window Arch
NPS Photo/Wallace Keck

Nearly 250,000 California-bound emigrants traveled through City of Rocks (1843-1882)
NPS Photo/Wallace Keck

California-bound emigrants painted their signature on Register Rock in 1850
NPS Photo/Wallace Keck

Over half of the 100,000 annual visitors to City of Rocks come to experience climbing
NPS Photo

Window Arch is one of many impressive rock features found in City of Rocks.
NPS Photo

Winter is a great time to experience quiet and solitude in City of Rocks.
NPS Photo

A scenic vista of rocks formations and trails. A cloudy sky is seen.

Explore the National Reserve

There is something for everyone at City of Rocks.

A person walks along the top of a granite formation.

Plan Your Visit

Resources and inspiration for your next adventure.

A family enjoys time together around a campfire at one of the campsites at Smoky Mountain Campground

Reserve a campsite or check out other lodging options.

Panhole in a granite formation in City of Rocks National Reserve.

Geological Features

Admire geologic wonders sculpted by nature.

Close up of a white short-tailed weasel.

Plants & Animals

Get to know fascinating plants and wildlife.

Two covered wagons.

History & Culture

Learn about people, places, and stories of the past.

A group of children sit on a rock while listening to a Ranger presentation.

Junior Ranger Online

Aimed at kids K-6 covering topics from history to natural resources.

Four crew members pose sitting under a granite arch.

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Last updated: June 3, 2026

Welcome to the City

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

City of Rocks National Reserve
P.O. Box 169
Almo, ID 83312

Phone:

208-824-5901

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