Agnostik
National Reserve · ID

City Of Rocks National Reserve

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.

nps.gov ↗

Photos

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

Activities

  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Astronomy
  • Stargazing
  • Biking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
  • Group Camping
  • RV Camping
  • Climbing
  • Rock Climbing
  • Ice Climbing
  • Fishing
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Self-Guided Tours - Auto
  • Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horse Camping (see also camping)
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hunting and Gathering
  • Hunting
  • Ice Skating
  • Living History
  • First Person Interpretation
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Skiing
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Snow Play
  • Snowmobiling
  • Snowshoeing
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs