The One Place In Idaho That Must Be Seen To Be Believed
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Jennifer
Author
Idaho is full of marvels just waiting to be explored, but our natural wonders are truly the heart and soul of our state. From the plunging depths of our river canyons and secret caves to the soaring heights of our picturesque mountains, crystalline lakes, towering sand dunes, and everything in between, it’s easy to see just how beautiful and baffling Idaho’s landscape can be.
However, few people realize that Idaho is also home to a uniquely expansive granite city that is just as fascinating as the Badlands of South Dakota and the arches of Utah. You can find them just north of the Idaho-Utah border, and they’re a must-see if you get a chance to travel through southern Idaho. Check it out:
Adjacent to Castle Rocks State Park and near Almo, this sweeping 14,500-acre reserve was established in 1988 as a protected national natural landmark to preserve its unique beauty and historical importance.
Just as unique but not federally protected, this rocky haven is worth its own trip as well... but that's a story for another time.
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California Trail wagon trains of the 1840s and 1850s traveled through this part of southern Idaho into Nevada. Names and initials of emigrants can be found written in axle grease on Register Rock, and ruts from wagon wheels can be seen in some areas as well. But even before the great migration, Shoshone and Bannock tribes used the landscape as a buffalo hunting ground and gathered the nuts of the native pinyon pine trees. Both cultures also took advantage of the natural water basins formed by the rocks to collect water and took shelter in the formations themselves.
The landscape of City of Rocks is sculpted granite that bored through the earth's surface during two distinct geologic time periods: Oligocene and Archean.
Breadloaves, Window Arch, Bath Rock, Elephant Rock...
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Just as unique but not federally protected, this rocky haven is worth its own trip as well... but that's a story for another time.
Over 1,000 established rock climbing routes are in place, others are climbable no matter your age or ability. 22 miles of hiking trails also weave in and around the formations, leading to stunning overlooks. Just don't forget your climbing permit!
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City of Rocks offers 64 campsites, many of which are tucked in among the granite fins and boulders and shaded by aspen, juniper, mountain mahogany, and pine. All sites have a ground grill/fire-ring and picnic table, and many have defined tent pads. Reservations are highly recommended, however.
The surrounding desert landscape intermingles with the rock formations, which blossoms into a vibrant carpet of wildflowers every spring. And in fall, the region erupts into a colorful world of cottonwoods.
History buffs, climbers, nature enthusiasts, you name it.
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There's so much more to explore! If climbing isn't your thing, opt for an auto tour on the 49-mile City of Rocks Back Country Byway, which starts in Albion.
How incredible is it that Idaho is home to not one, but multiple rock cities? Have you ever visited the City of Rocks? What did you think?
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