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City of Rocks National Reserve, the California Trail
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Idaho
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City of Rocks National Reserve, the California Trail
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Although there may have been some visitation to the area by Europeans and Americans during the fur trade and exploration-era, the establishment of the California Trail through the City of Rocks is what brought the first significant number of European-Americans to what is now the Reserve. The City of Rocks National Reserve is a National Historic Landmark associated with the mass overland westward migration. Emigrants traveling the California Trail would reach Circle Creek in the City of Rocks and nooned or camped. Some of these emigrants left their names on the rocks along the trail within the Reserve. Emigrant Remarks "Last eve went to the City rocks. They are at the junction of the California & Salt Lake roads. They are white & about 300 ft high running up to a peak. They are composed of a substance resembling salts & are in a state of decomposition. A few more years & then will be leveled with the ground. They look at a distance like a ruined city." - Lucena Parsons - April 23, 1850 Site Information Location (Near Almo, Idaho) Safety Considerations City of Rocks National Reserve California National Historic Trail
Geological Interpretive Trail - 1 mile
~5 min drive
Have you ever visited City of Rocks and wondered, “How did this happen?” or “Why do the rocks look like this?” The Geological Interpretive Trail is the perfect short hike to: see fascinating geological formations up close examine the difference between the Green Creek Comple…
Register Rock
~7 min drive
Register Rock conveys many shapes, depending on the viewing angle. Many see a sleeping camel, others see a turtle or the profile of Andy Gump. Take a moment to check out the wayside exhibit and view the signatures written in axle grease. Emigrants, like A. Freeman and D. Tick…
Flaming Rock Trailhead Rest Area
~7 min drive
Vault toilet located near Flaming Rock Trail-Head.
Window Arch Trail - 250 feet
~8 min drive
Located behind campsite 37, this short walk leads to the impressive Window Arch which spans over 20 feet. Windows, bathtubs, and caves sculpted by forces of erosion, are featured here along with spectacular views of the “Inner City”.
California Trail History
~8 min drive
Look east and view Circle Creek Basin, where emigrants along the historic California Trail (1843-1882) camped, rested livestock, and left their names in axle grease. Be sure to take a short detour on the trail heading east to see some spectacular views.
Bath Rock Trail - 0.25 miles
~8 min drive
Starting from the parking lot, this short trail loops around the looming granite formation of Bath Rock. The rock is named for large natural pools of water atop this 240-foot tall monolith. Adventurous visitors can climb up the back side of Bath Rock where handles are affixed…
Parking Lot Rock Trailhead
~8 min drive
This is the end of the Creekside Towers Trail, or the beginning depending on which end you start from. If you need a rest stop there is a bathroom located about 500 ft up the road.
Backyard Boulders Trailhead
~5 min drive
Trailhead and Stines Creek Picnic Area Although the loop trail can be walked in either direction, the numbering system and trail features are described clock-wise. From the kiosk, travel left (south) for 200 yards, then follow the trail right or west, below the popular climbs…
Backyard Boulders Return Route
~5 min drive
The trail returns alongside Stines Creek, Kid Rock and the Stines Creek Picnic Area. For other family friendly hikes, rangers suggest the trails to the Almo Creek Wetland and Eagle Rock Grove. For the adventurous, take the five-mile, three-hour Castle Rock Trail.
Camp Rock
~6 min drive
Camp Rock was a favorite resting place for emigrants traveling along the California Trail. Some wrote their names in axle grease on the rock faces. Now over 160 years later, we can see those names and wonder what it was like for them as they traveled throught the City of Rocks…