City Of Rocks National Reserve


Emigrants of the California Trail describe the rocks here in vivid detail as "a city of tall spires,” “steeple rocks," and "the silent city." Today, this backcountry byway attracts rock climbers, campers, hikers, hunters, and those with the spirit of adventure. There's inspirational scenery, exceptional opportunities for geologic study, and remnants of the Old West awaiting your discovery.

From Boise: take I-84 East to exit 216 (Declo); go south on Highway 77 to Conner Creek Junction; turn right (west) on Highway 77 Spur to Almo. The visitor center and the park entrance are south of the post office and businesses. From Pocatello: take I-86 West to I-84 West to exit 216 and proceed as above. From Salt Lake City: take I-84 west to exit 245 (Sublette), turn left and go west to Malta. From Malta take Highway 77. Take Highway 77 Spur to Almo.

  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Astronomy
  • Stargazing
  • Biking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
  • Group Camping
  • RV Camping
  • Climbing
  • Rock Climbing
  • Ice Climbing
  • Fishing
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Self-Guided Tours - Auto
  • Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horse Camping (see also camping)
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hunting and Gathering
  • Hunting
  • Ice Skating
  • Living History
  • First Person Interpretation
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Skiing
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Snow Play
  • Snowmobiling
  • Snowshoeing
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs

  • Arts
  • Photography
  • Explorers and Expeditions
  • Farming and Agriculture
  • Ranches
  • Native American Heritage
  • Westward Expansion
  • Homesteading
  • The Gold Rush
  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Fish
  • Fire
  • Forests and Woodlands
  • Coniferous Forests
  • Geology
  • Mountains
  • Natural Sounds
  • Night Sky
  • Astronomy
  • Rock Landscapes and Features
  • Scenic Views
  • Trails
  • Wilderness

City of Rocks Granite

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

Explore the City

City of Rocks

3 silhouetted foggy granite formations highlighted by golden sunlight.

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

Indian Grove Overlook

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

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

Twin Sisters

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

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.

Window Arch at City of Rocks

A granite arch is displayed on the horizon

Forces of nature sculpt unexpected features in granite such as Window Arch

Replica Emigrant Wagons at City of Rocks

Replica emigrant wagons rest unhitched at sunrise

Nearly 250,000 California-bound emigrants traveled through City of Rocks (1843-1882)

Emigrant Signatures at City of Rocks

Emigrant signature written with axle-grease on granite

California-bound emigrants painted their signature on Register Rock in 1850

Climber on Morning Glory Spire

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

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

Window Arch

Granite arch with sunset peeking through.

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

Silent City of Rocks

Snowy granite pinnacles.

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