city of rocks national reserve

I hit this reserve on a rainy April day and the views were wonderful as the low clouds moved across the high hills and rocks. It's kind of do-it-yourself touring, but full of beautiful sights. Be sure to visit the visitor's center when you arrive.

The park is amazing! Totally for rock climbers but there are still plenty of hikes to explore! The road to it and in it is a dirt road and the restroom situation is latrine, but you need to make sure you bring your own hand sanitizer for there are none in any of the latrines. I would suggest the camp spots by bath rock & windows arch area.

Trails to hike, spectacular rock formations to climb and wildlife everywhere, this is a great place for the outdoor enthusiast. City of the Rocks was so clean and the other hikers and climbers are a special breed; polite and helpful and mostly fit! This is a great place to visit in the fall with the foliage changing color and the temperatures just right for strenuous activity. Highly recommended for those who love the outdoors!

Beautiful views and great hiking trails. We are not campers, but some very nice campsites. Put this park on your bucket list.

I enjoyed my visit here. There are many interesting rock formations. The visitor's center is small, but still good to stop by and get a map. Some short hiking trails lead to beautiful views of the valleys. A few of the rocks have been signed by migrants of the California Trail over 100 years ago. There were a few visitors getting some practice rock climbing. Be aware there are no paved roads, and the gravel roads can be rough in spots. This is a beautiful place to spend a few hours.

Inspiring what nature can provide - magnificent and varied grey and white rocks worth perusing and photographing even for non-climbers, the dirt roads are well maintained and easily passable with ordinary cars. Twin Sisters rocks instead are among the best. Everybody shown drive through this national reserve at least once.

I really loved this place, its in the middle of no place probably 30-40 miles from the closest town of Burley. Large rock formation of all shapes and sizes. Plenty of hiking trails and plenty of rocks to climb. They have a primitive camp ground (I would have stayed, if I was younger) that is really pretty. Apparently in the old days wagon trains stayed here, really cool. If you go take rt 77 and not rt 27. Rt 27 has a lot of dirt roads.

We had been wanting to visit City of Rocks since reading about the experience of the westward emigrants, for whom this was something of a crossroads. We only had half a day to spend there, but were able to see all of the main attractions, although it would certainly be a great place to camp and hike. It's an amazing place, combining geology and history, and well worth the trouble to get there. I really recommend it. Definitely plan to stop at the visitors' center in Almo; the rangers there are extremely helpful and directed us to sites we might have otherwise overlooked, and also recommended the most efficient route given that we did not have unlimited time.

This is a remote adventure. I was there in mid-July and although is was warm during the day it cooled off at night. It's not only beautiful but has a history too. The pioneers actually traveled through this area and you can still signs of their travels. The park has ample camping spots and restrooms. We opted for the campground. The campground (located just outside the park) is paved with large RVs pads, campfire rings and picnic tables. On site restrooms and showers are a plus. Reserve early as the campground fills up fast. The reserve is scenic with hundreds of rocks formations. A rock climbers Mecca. The road into the reserve is dirt but well maintained. There are several places of interest to stop and check out along the way. The major rock formations which are named have hiking trails to and around them. Take plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat and a camera if you plan to see any of the formations. If you love the outdoors, rock climbing, hiking and camping then this is a must see. I suggest stopping by the visitor center just outside the reserve for information and maps. We also stopped at Rock city a general store for ice and firewood. Great place to explore and visit!

Is what my son said to me about this place. We loved this place! We were here on a perect day for hiking. One of our favorite stops was at campsite #38, where the window arch and much more is. We explored this area for a couple hours and took plenty of pictures. Elephant Rock is another favorite. We were here for only 6 hours but could of spent a weekend here. We didn't even get to see the twin sisters. Just have to do that next visit.

City of Rocks is worth a detour when travelling in the Idaho / Utah corridor. Don't be afraid to follow the scenic back entrance through Burley and Oakley, ID. Even though it adds 15 miles of gravel roads, it avoids back-tracking through Almo and it's less-traveled. While I'm not a climber, I can see why City of Rocks is a must-visit location for avid climbers. We had a blast watching some climbers and my kids are begging to learn the sport! OK!In addition to climbing, numerous short and and long hikes are available. Historical markers make City of Rocks a fascinating destination for history buffs interested in 19th century westward migration in the U.S.Camp sites are spread out among fascinating rock formations. There is generous space between each site and basic amenities are available.

We stopped at this place on our way to Utah. Had never heard of the City of Rocks before, but we were staying nearby and thought it might be interesting. We had a great time - had fun hiking, viewing the rock formations and learning about the history of the wagon trains going threw the area. Wish we were had camped here as the camp sites were great. I could imagine that the night skies would have been fantastic. We only had one day to spend here, but wished we had more. Will definitely go back.

I have been going here since I was a kid, and now I am bringing my own kids here. I love this place because it is off the path and so quiet. It is a hikers and rock climbers paradise. There are lots of campsites and you should reserve to be sure. There are pit toilets as well. If you are the type that likes the kind of campground with the modern amenities of electricity, running water hookups and flushing toilets, then this is NOT your place. And that is why I love it!!!Entrance Fee: None!Camping Fee: $12.72/per site/nightCamping Reservation Fee: $10.60Group Campsite: $26.50 Reservation Fee + $3.18/per person/per nighthttp://www.nps.gov/ciro/index.htm

Recently visited City of Rocks on way to Yellowstone. Spent 2 nights camping and day and a half hiking and climbing around the area. My goal was to freestyle climb any rock I could until I was sick of climbing. Mission accomplished!! I covered most of the trails in the park and would recommend climbing around the Creekside Towers Trail, Flaming Rock Trail and along the main drive to fully capture the rocks experience. I was also surprised by the number of aspen trees and greenery. Great variety. I also recommend hiking the Indian Grove Trail and Sky Line Connector Trail up to Graham Peak, if you want a strenuous uphill hike with a great 360 degree view. Be advised that the last mile the switchbacks seem to take you far out of the way before you final reach the pinnacle. You think you're almost there and then have to keep walking forever. It would have been nice if they'd simply provided a steeper but more direct route. Btw, I did not see another person on that entire hike! Finally, if you're camping consider sites 58-60. You have to hike in 1/4 mile but the payoff is a private, quiet experience. Many other campsites also looked attractive while less private. This park is out of the way and thus is a quiet, low traffic and enjoyable experience. I highly recommend it even just for a casual day of rock exploration.

My family and I have been going to the City of Rocks for 14 years. We moved to Idaho in July 2000. Our second summer in the state we took our first trip out to The City. Spectacular rock formations, beautiful hiking trails, and incredible sport and traditional climbing. Also take a visit to nearby Castle Rock State Park.