City of Rocks
National Reserve

City of Rocks offers scenic walks near the historic California Trail and opportunities for wildlife watching, photography, world-class technical rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, ice climbing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, picnicking, and camping near fantastic rock formations. The reserve became part of the National Park System on November 18, 1988. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and the National Park Service cooperatively manage the park.

VISITATION:

Highest in May, June, and September; lowest in the winter months

LOCATION:

Cassia County, Idaho

ADDRESS:

City of Rocks National Reserve
PO Box 169
Almo, Idaho 83312

TELEPHONE:

(208) 824-5519

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Park:
Year-around use. Reserve roads are subject to seasonal closure in the winter. Hiking, and snowmobiling are allowed. Check with reserve headquarters for road closures at (208) 824-5519.


Visitor Center:
Summer - Daily, 7 days a week: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


Winter:
Monday - Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed on holidays.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Spring weather is unpredictable. Strong winds, snow and rain are common. Summer days are hot (70s to upper 90s) low humidity and nights are cool (40s to 60s). Winter days are cold and evening temperatures can dip below zero. The average snowfall in the reserve varies from 1-3 feet.

DIRECTIONS:

There is no public transportation to the reserve. The reserve is located 45 miles south of Burley, Idaho. The nearest air service is Burley(charter) (45 miles), Twin Falls (85 miles), Salt Lake City (170 miles), Boise (215 miles), Pocatello (100 miles). From Boise and the west, take I-84 to the Declo exit 216 and south to Idaho route 77 to Albion, Elba, and Almo. From Pocatello and Idaho Falls, take I-86 & I-84 to the Declo exit and then south to Almo. From Salt Lake City take I-84 north to Snowville and then routes 30 and 42, or continue north on I-84 to the Sublette exit and go west toward Malta, Elba, and Almo. There is a seasonal summer route through Oakley via Route 27.

TRANSPORTATION:

To Park: Personal vehicles - In Park: Personal vehicles

FEES, COSTS RATES:

The camping fee for one vehicle is $7 per night. Five dollars ($5) is charged for an extra vehicle. Only two vehicles are allowed at a single site. Reservations are available but not mandatory.

The reservation fee's are:

Single site: There is a $6 reservation fee and $7/per night camp fee with a maximum of 8 people.

Group site: There is a $25 reservation fee and $2/per person per night camp fee. A minimum of 17 people are required to reserve a group site.

Reservation fees are non-refundable. The campsite fee portion is refundable if cancelled within 2 days. Call (208) 824-5519 for reservations.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center/Exhibits:
The visitor center is located in Almo, Idaho. Brochures, climbing guides, historic trail information, camping information, Community Sharing Exhibits, books and gifts are available.

TRAILS, ROADWAYS:

There are about 20 miles of hiking, biking, and horse trails within the reserve. The reserve is connected to Mount Harrison by a 21 mile US Forest Service trail (The Skyline Trail) suitable for hiking, backpacking, biking, or horseback riding. Access to the reserve is on about 9 miles of dirt roads from the Almo entrance and about 17 miles from the Oakley entrance.

PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES:

Regularly scheduled interpretive and educational programs are given throughout the season, May - October. Programs are available upon request for groups with advance notice. Check with the visitor center or at the Bath Rock kiosk for program dates, times, and place. Star gazing, horse-shoeing, dutch oven cooking, nature, history and photography hikes, and climbing demonstrations are a sample of scheduled programs.

LODGING AND CAMPING FACILITIES:

There are about 75 designated camp sites in the reserve. Three group sites are available with a maximum capacity of 50 and a minimum of 25. There is one potable water source in the reserve. Most of the campsites among the rock formations are accessed from the road. Most sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. There are no hook-ups, showers or dump stations. Vault toilets are located throughout the reserve. Bring your own wood or purchase wood at the visitor center. Back country permits are free and available at the visitor center.

There is one bed and breakfast in Almo and the nearest motels are about 30 miles distant.

FOOD, SUPPLIES:

The local general store (Tracy's) sells gas, groceries, deli sandwiches, and hamburgers and is closed on Sundays.

OTHER CONCESSIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Organized in 1991, the non- profit City of Rocks Historical Association was formed to provide City of Rocks National Reserve visitors with educational literature and experiences. You can help in many ways. We welcome your membership in the Association. Visit our book store and gift shop, or help improve the reserve through a contribution to the Association.

An individual membership is $5 and a family is $7. Members receive a discount at the bookstore, a copy of the quarterly newsletter, "The Rock Ledger", and the opportunity to support worthwhile projects. Your suggestions are welcome. Join us as a friend of the reserve!

For membership information and/or dues send to:

City of Rocks Historical Association
P.O. Box 169
Almo, ID 83312
(208)824-5519

VOLUNTEERS:

City of Rocks National Reserve welcomes volunteers. In the past, our volunteers have helped with numerous projects: restoring a historic home which will be used for the new visitor center, organizing scrapbooks, cataloging plants, fixed anchor management, trail maintenance, and updating the library system. Current Volunteers in Parks (VIP) opportunities include: campground hosts, visitor center maintenance/public relations, building and grounds maintenance, trails maintenance volunteer, and Interpretive Ranger-in-Training. Check out the volunteer opportunities on our expanded webpage.

The Student Conservation Association and Americorps have been participants in the park. Volunteer internships are also available. Please call for more information.

ACCESSIBILITY:

An ADA accessible interpretive trail by 2001 is in the planning stage. Restrooms and the visitor center are ADA accessible.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Rock climbing, camping, hiking, photography, joining in guided programs, natural and cultural history study, bird watching, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and deer hunting.

VISITOR RECOMMENDATIONS:

A minimum of two hours is recommended to drive through, stop at various vantage points, and hike a short trail. A day or two is recommended to explore the rock formations and trails, discover the wildlife, and enjoy a primitive camping experience.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Lake Cleveland, Lake Walcott State Park, Mt. Harrison Forest Service Look-out Tower, Cache Peak, historic homes in Oakley, Oakley 24th of July - Pioneer Days, International Jet Ski Races - Burley.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Click here for the expanded City of Rocks web site.

Write City of Rocks National Reserve, PO Box 169, Almo, Idaho 83312
or call (208) 824-5519.

City of Rocks National Reserve is part of the Columbia Cascades Cluster

Last Updated:Saturday, 04-Sep-99 04:50:28
http://www.nps.gov/ciro/