City Of Rocks National Reserve

During this 1.10 mile ranger guided hike you will get to explore the archaeology of Castle Rocks State Park. The hike is easy to moderate with some elevation change. You will explore Native American pictographs, petroglyphs, and a rock shelter that was occupied for hundreds of years. Through this hike you will get a sense of what the landscape and everyday life was like thousands of years ago.

This course at Castle Rocks State Park has more than 20 stations. Shot distance ranges from 20 yards to 60 yards depending on target size.

Backcountry camping is available in the designated Indian Grove area within City of Rocks National Reserve. Permits are required for backcountry camping and must be approved prior to your arrival.

Junior Rangers "Explore, Learn, and Protect" their national parks. Pick up a free booklet from the Visitor Center to learn about geology, nature, and history in City of Rocks National Reserve. Complete fun activities like scavenger hunts, fill-in-the-blanks, and word searches. Once you've finished the recommended number of activities, turn in the booklet, take the park oath, and earn your Junior Ranger Badge!

Tea Kettle Trail is a great mountain biking trail that runs between Bread Loaves and Elephant Rock. The trailhead can be accessed from the Bread Loaves group camping parking lot or the parking area next to Elephant Rock. From one end to the other, the trail is 3 miles. Mountain bikers can connect with other trails or ride on the road to create loops and longer rides.

Few places in Idaho other than the City of Rocks Checklist Area offer such a high concentration of bird species, making this a top birding destination. The Checklist Area includes the National Reserve, Castle Rocks State Park, and the Almo and Upper Raft River valleys. These are some of the best locations in the Idaho for observing Pinyon Jay, Virginia's Warbler, Gray Flycatcher, Juniper Titmouse, Bushtit, Greater Sage-Grouse, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and Plumbeous Vireo.

Camping in City of Rocks, or nearby Smoky Mountain Campground is a great way to enjoy being out in nature. Relax beneath the cool shade of aspen, juniper, mountain mahogany, or pine. Spend the night surrounded by impressive granite formations and starry skies.

With the dramatic Castle Rocks landscape in the backdrop, this small three-hole disc golf course is fun for all ages and abilities. The lush grassy area of Castle Rocks Ranch has large shady trees that provide a welcome reprieve from summer heat. There are bathrooms, and picnic facilities in this area with more a short distance up the road at Stines Creek.

A day in the park doesn't have to end when the sun goes down! A whole new world comes alive at night and is waiting to be explored. The dark sky over City of Rocks is an excellent place to experience the beauty of the night.