City Of Rocks National Reserve

National Reserve · ID · nps.gov page

Snow dusted granite formations jut up from a mountainous juniper covered landscape.
Explore the CityPhoto: NPS Photo

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.

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3 silhouetted foggy granite formations highlighted by golden sunlight.
City of Rocks offers sweeping vistas and awe-inspiring scenery.Photo: NPS Photo
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.Photo: NPS Photo
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.Photo: NPS Photo
A granite arch is displayed on the horizon
Forces of nature sculpt unexpected features in granite such as Window ArchPhoto: NPS Photo/Wallace Keck
Replica emigrant wagons rest unhitched at sunrise
Nearly 250,000 California-bound emigrants traveled through City of Rocks (1843-1882)Photo: NPS Photo/Wallace Keck
Emigrant signature written with axle-grease on granite
California-bound emigrants painted their signature on Register Rock in 1850Photo: NPS Photo/Wallace Keck
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 climbingPhoto: NPS Photo
Granite arch with sunset peeking through.
Window Arch is one of many impressive rock features found in City of Rocks.Photo: NPS Photo
Snowy granite pinnacles.
Winter is a great time to experience quiet and solitude in City of Rocks.Photo: NPS Photo

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.