Snow dusted granite formations jut up from a mountainous juniper covered landscape.
Explore the City NPS Photo

City Of Rocks National Reserve

National Preserve / Reserve · Idaho · National Park Service

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.

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone
208-824-5901
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

What's here

Highlights: Arts · Photography · Explorers and Expeditions · Farming and Agriculture · Ranches · Native American Heritage · Westward Expansion · Homesteading · The Gold Rush · Animals · Birds · Fish · Fire · Forests and Woodlands · Coniferous Forests · Geology · Mountains · Natural Sounds · Night Sky · Astronomy · Rock Landscapes and Features · Scenic Views · Trails · Wilderness

Activities & features: 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

Photos

  • 3 silhouetted foggy granite formations highlighted by golden sunlight.
    NPS Photo
  • Grand scenic view looking down from a high elevation. Granite spires jut up from the landscape.
    NPS Photo
  • Two granite pinnacles right next to each other that are similar in size and shape.
    NPS Photo
  • A granite arch is displayed on the horizon
    NPS Photo/Wallace Keck
  • Replica emigrant wagons rest unhitched at sunrise
    NPS Photo/Wallace Keck
  • Emigrant signature written with axle-grease on granite
    NPS Photo/Wallace Keck
  • A climber ascends a granite spire with mountains in the distance.
    NPS Photo
  • Granite arch with sunset peeking through.
    NPS Photo

Nearby parks

Parks of Idaho

McCroskey State ParkCoeur d Alene s Old Mission State ParkFarragut State ParkEagle Island State ParkPonderosa State ParkOregon National Historic TrailLand of the Yankee Fork State ParkPriest Lake State ParkHagerman Fossil Beds National MonumentRound Lake State ParkHells Gate State ParkMassacre Rocks State ParkMinidoka National Historic SiteLake Walcott State ParkBear Lake State ParkNez Perce National Historical ParkLucky Peak State ParkWinchester Lake State ParkHenrys Lake State ParkHeyburn State ParkCastle Rocks State ParkThree Island Crossing State ParkCraters Of The Moon National Monument & PreserveThousand Springs State ParkLake Cascade State ParkHarriman State ParkDworshak State ParkBruneau Dunes State Park

29 parks mapped in Idaho

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Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12