City of Rocks National Reserve
Almo, ID
Granite spires and domes, popular with climbers, where California Trail emigrants wrote their names in axle grease. The reserve is reached on gravel roads from Almo; campsites can be reserved in season.
City of Rocks National Reserve lies in the Albion Mountains of southern Idaho, about 45 miles (roughly 72 km) south of Burley; the village of Almo, with the ranger station, is the gateway. Between granite domes and spires that the National Park Service says rise up to 700 feet (over 200 m), visitors hike and climb through a veritable maze. The rock faces offer more than 700 climbing routes.
History is visible here too: between 1843 and 1882, settlers passed through on the California Trail. At Register Rock they wrote their names on the stone with wagon grease; one example reads “A. Freeman, June 12, 50”.
For road-trippers: roads in the reserve are unpaved but well-maintained gravel; the City of Rocks Backcountry Byway crosses the area from east to west. About 50 basic campsites line the main road; they can be reserved online, which is recommended on weekends. There are two water wells but no showers. Because of the altitude the weather changes quickly, and snow is possible at any time.
- Nearest town
- Almo, ID
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 42.0760, -113.7070
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and October. Hot in July. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- City of Rocks CampsitesCampsite0 mi from City of Rocks National Reserve
- Twin Sisters CampgroundCampsite2 mi from City of Rocks National Reserve
- Finger Rock campgroundCampsite3 mi from City of Rocks National Reserve
- Smoky Mountain CampgroundCampsite3 mi from City of Rocks National ReserveWi-Fi
- Twin Lakes CampgroundCampsite17 mi from City of Rocks National Reserve
- Lake Cleveland CampgroundCampsite17 mi from City of Rocks National Reserve
All campsites in Idaho · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is City of Rocks National Reserve?
City of Rocks National Reserve is in Almo, ID, at GPS 42.0760, -113.7070. It is about 50 mi from Jackpot.
Can you camp near City of Rocks National Reserve?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is City of Rocks Campsites, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 10 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass City of Rocks National Reserve?
City of Rocks National Reserve is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Snake River Canyon: Bruneau Dunes to Shoshone Falls and City of Rocks.
What is there to see near City of Rocks National Reserve?
Places worth a stop nearby: Shoshone Falls (50 mi), Perrine Bridge (53 mi), Golden Spike National Historical Park (67 mi) and Spiral Jetty (69 mi).
When is the best time to visit City of Rocks National Reserve?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)