City of Rocks

City of Rocks is an extraordinary circle of granite rising out of the gently rolling sagebrush country in south-central Idaho.

It has attracted and intrigued people since they first entered this region. 

The Shoshone camped here as did the emigrants traveling along the California Trail.

One of the reserve's most notable qualities is its large degree of biological diversity concentrated in a relatively small area. 

The great variety of textures, colors, and shapes in the natural landscape contributes considerably to the reserve's scenic quality.

City of Rocks has been sculpted from granite that was oozed up into the earth crust but was eventually exposed as the softer material around it was eroded away. The granite itself was sculpted into a fascinating assortment of shapes by wind, water and perhaps even ice.

The City of Rocks is a popular rock-climbing area, with over 1,000 traditional and bolt-protected routes.

In the 1980s it was home to some of the most difficult routes in the US.

In the following pictures rock climbers are circled.

Did you notice the car?

California Trail wagon trains of the 1840s and 1850s left the Raft River valley and traveled through the area and over Granite Pass into Nevada. 

Names or initials of emigrants written in axle grease are still visible on Register Rock. 

Ruts from wagon wheels also can be seen in some of the rocks.

Beginning in 1843, City of Rocks was a landmark for emigrants on the California Trail and Salt Lake Alternate Trail and later on freight routes and the Kelton, Utah to Boise, Idaho stage route.

The area's historical and geological values, scenery, and opportunities for recreation led to its designation as City of Rocks National Reserve in 1988.

Since I'm past my prime for rock climbing, I just had take in the scenery.  It was awesome! 

There's even a campground where you can park among the city of rocks. Our rig is a LOT too big for that sot of thing, though.