City Of Rocks

City Of Rocks National Reserve is a day trip south of the Magic Valley, in a landscape of granite spires, sagebrush, and open sky. The National Park Service keeps the reserve open every day, year round, and there is no entrance fee. A shared visitor center in the town of Almo is the best first stop for maps and current conditions.

There is plenty to do once you are there. Hiking trails lead to arches, windows, and overlooks. The reserve is known for granite climbing, with single and multi pitch routes up to 600 feet. Gravel roads wind through the formations for a slow auto tour along the approximate path of the California Trail. Camping is available, and the reserve is an International Dark Sky Park, which makes a clear night worth the stay. Next door, Castle Rocks State Park has its own trails and a fishing pond, and that park does charge the Idaho State Parks motor vehicle entry fee of $7 per vehicle per day, or you can display an Idaho State Parks Passport.

Best Time To Visit

Spring and fall are comfortable for hiking and climbing. Summer is popular and can be hot. Winter opens a quieter side of the Silent City, as the park service calls the snowy granite. Check the official pages for visitor center hours, which can change by season.

Getting There, Fees, And Hours

Plan on about two hours from downtown Twin Falls. Services in Almo are limited, and the Park Service notes that when local businesses are closed, the nearest services can be 30 to 60 miles away. Pack water, food, and a full tank before you leave the valley. The reserve itself has no entrance fee and is open every day, year round.