City of Rocks National Reserve ⓘ

The City of Rocks National Reserve holds a wealth of stories from those who journeyed west along the California Trail. From emigrants seeking new beginnings to adventurers and artists capturing the landscape’s grandeur, these individuals left their mark—both physically, through inscriptions on Register Rock, and in history, through their personal narratives.

This page highlights the lives of some of the people connected to City of Rocks. Their journeys remind us of the challenges, ambitions, and resilience that defined the westward migration. Learn about individuals like Ida Fullinwider , a young woman whose brief life intersected with the movement west; Henry Keck , who documented his grueling journey with vivid accounts of the trail; James F. Wilkins , an artist who immortalized the area’s beauty; and Daniel and Mary Tickner , who braved the trail twice, leaving their names at Register Rock.

Explore these stories and uncover the human connections that bring the history of City of Rocks to life. Each name, journal entry, and inscription carries a piece of the larger narrative that shaped the American West.

Ida Fullinwider was born in January of 1865 in Washington Township in Anderson County, Kansas to Samuel L. and Amanda Fullinwider. By 1875, the family had moved to the town of Colony in Anderson County. From 1865 to 1875, Ida's father, Samuel, worked in agriculture, but by 1880, Samuel was "keeping hotel" in Ozark Township, Anderson County, Kansas. In the spring of 1881, when Ida was about 16 years old, Samuel and Amanda decided to pack up their seven children, ages four to twenty-one, and head to California. Ida did not remain in California for long. On October 1, 1885, she married J. W. Carroll in Colony, Kansas. Though they were married in Kansas, it is possible she met her husband during her travels west, as he was from Utah Territory. It appears that Ida and J. W. eventually moved to Utah, as a Salt Lake County Death Record shows that Ida died on February 2, 1887, at age 22 in Salt Lake City from complications of paralysis. She was buried in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Salt Lake City. Ida was only 22 when she died leaving little time to accumulate an extensive historical record. In addition, in the late 19th century, women appear less frequently in the historical record than do their male counterparts. Her young age and her gender may very well explain why so little information exists about Ida (Fullinwider) Carroll.

Henry Keck, Jr. was the son of Henry and Mary (Hardin) Keck and was born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, on December 4th, 1823. The family moved from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, to a farm in Harrisburg Township near Utica, Iowa, in 1846. Joseph Keck reported that the family moved in 1846, but Henry's obituary stated that they moved in 1849. On March 27, 1850, Henry and his brother Joseph, along with 22 other men, departed Iowa with the goal of reaching California. They traveled in six ox-teams, with seven cows and three horses in the company.

The crew reached the Raft River, four miles east of the City of Rocks, on June 27th after a rough day of travel (Keck, "To California" 2007). One of their wagons had tipped over crossing a creek, resulting in not only the loss of food and other provisions, but also spilling Henry (who was still ill) into the water. Two days later, the group passed through City of Rocks, which Joseph called "Steeple Rocks" (a name frequently employed by other trail emigrants) and probably refers to Pinnacle Pass. Joseph wrote that "the passage through is just wide enough to admit a wagon" and that "the road…was rough and hilly and some places very sidling" (Keck, "To California" 2007).

Born in London, England in 1808, James F. Wilkins studied and exhibited works at the Royal Academy before coming to the United States in 1838. He lived for a time in Peoria, Illinois, New Orleans, and St. Louis, working as a portrait artist.

When gold was discovered in California in 1848, Wilkins joined the thousands who rushed west in wagon trains. But he wasn't after gold -- Wilkins instead intended to collect the raw material needed to create what he first called a "Panorama of the Plains, from Independence to San Francisco."

On his way to California, Wilkins described this dramatic geological area as "City of Rocks". The name City of Rocks remains, as well as hundreds of pioneer incriptions, wagon ruts, and journal accounts.

Daniel Tickner was born in Graves End, Kent, England around 1812 and immigrated to the United States in 1826. He eventually settled in Albion, IL, with his parents and other family members. In 1840 Daniel married Mary Wood, and they made their home in Albion, where he worked as a blacksmith. Their first child, Ellis Sarah, was born in Albion in 1847. In 1850, Mary's parents asked Daniel to travel to California to retrieve his brother-in-law, John, who had gone in search of gold. A. Freeman, a friend of Daniel's, accompanied him on the trek (which they made on horseback). It was on this trip that Tickner and Freeman wrote their names in axle grease on Register Rock. In 1852, Tickner once again headed to California, this time with his wife, children, and two brothers-in-law. The family made this trip in a covered wagon rather than on horseback.

At the northern edge of the Great Basin, the area surrounding City of Rocks has been home to the Shoshone , Paiute , and their ancestors for thousands of years. This landscape has witnessed a deep and evolving history, beginning with the earliest human migrations at the end of the Pleistocene and continuing to the present day.

As the Ice Age ended and the ice sheets receded, humans followed game animals across the continent into what is now the Great Basin. The melting ice sheets left vast pluvial lakes, such as ancient Lake Bonneville , which once covered parts of southern Idaho and the Great Salt Lake region.

Early human groups were mobile hunters and gatherers, relying on megafauna like mastodons and mammoths. These early peoples used large fluted spear points to hunt these massive animals. As the climate warmed and dried, megafauna became extinct, leading to significant changes in tools and practices. Smaller spear points, atlatls , and later bows and arrows were developed to hunt smaller game as people adapted to the changing environment of the Holocene .

Artifacts found at City of Rocks also show the influence of the Fremont people , who were primarily based farther south in present-day Utah. One key sign of their presence is the discovery of Fremont-style grayware ceramics in the region.

City of Rocks was an integral part of the homeland of several Shoshone bands . These bands were often identified by their primary food sources, including:

The Bannock people , who trace their lineage to the Northern Paiute, also used this area. The pinyon pine forests in and around City of Rocks provided an essential food source— pine nuts —which the Shoshone and Bannock harvested annually each fall. This traditional practice continues today among members of the Fort Hall Reservation , connecting the past with the present.

City of Rocks remains a deeply important cultural and historical site for local tribes. Visitors are encouraged to respect the land, avoid collecting artifacts, and help preserve cultural sites. For those interested in learning more, pictographs can be viewed at nearby Castle Rocks State Park , and the Reserve offers history programs during the summer season to share the rich indigenous history of the area.

By respecting the land and the traditions of its first inhabitants, we honor their enduring connection to this remarkable place.

The California Trail’s establishment through City of Rocks ushered in a pivotal chapter of American history, marking the arrival of the first significant wave of European-Americans to the area now known as the Reserve. While early visitation occurred during the fur trade and exploration era, it was the mass migration along the trail that left an indelible mark on this rugged landscape.

Following paths originally forged by American Indians and fur trappers, emigrants crossed the continent in pursuit of a better life, driven by the ideals of Manifest Destiny . This migration gained momentum with the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in 1848 , inspiring tens of thousands to venture west in search of opportunity. Between 1848 and 1869 , when the transcontinental railroad was completed, approximately 240,000 people traveled the overland trails, enduring hardships and uncertainty in their quest for a brighter future.

City of Rocks became a landmark along the California Trail, offering rest and refuge for weary travelers. Today, it stands as a symbol of perseverance and the transformative era of westward expansion.

City of Rocks National Reserve holds the designation of a National Historic Landmark , preserving its role as a key waypoint during the mass overland migration westward. As emigrants traveled the California Trail , they would arrive at Circle Creek in City of Rocks to rest, “noon” for a midday meal, or camp before continuing their arduous journey.

Many of these travelers left their mark— names written in axle grease —on the granite rocks along the trail within the Reserve. These historic inscriptions remain visible today, offering a tangible connection to the emigrants who passed through, driven by hope and determination.

In the southern portion of the Reserve, the Salt Lake Alternate Trail merged with the California Trail. This alternate route connected emigrants traveling from Salt Lake City to the main trail heading west. The Salt Lake Alternate Trail was first documented in 1847 by Mormon Battalion soldiers , who traveled through the area on their way to Salt Lake after serving in the Mexican-American War in California.

After the decline in overland migration due to the completion of the transcontinental railroad , the Salt Lake Alternate Trail found new purpose as part of a vital stage route. Known as the Boise Kelton Stage Route , it connected the railroad in Kelton, Utah , with Boise , Idaho’s growing mining hub. This route played a crucial role in Idaho’s early economic development, helping to lay the foundation for the territory’s eventual statehood in 1890 .

The stage route passed through City of Rocks , where a stage station was established near the junction of the California Trail and the Salt Lake Alternate Trail . This station served as a key waypoint for stagecoaches carrying passengers, mail, and goods along this essential corridor of commerce.

Between 1910 and 1919 , a total of 29 land patents were filed within what is now City of Rocks National Reserve . Of these, 19 were dry land farms , where settlers attempted to cultivate crops despite the challenges posed by limited water availability and poor soil quality. Unfortunately, these hardships led to the abandonment of most farms by the 1920s .

After the collapse of dryland farming, much of the land transitioned to rangeland for cattle and sheep grazing . This shift in land use shaped the area’s economy and landscape, a legacy that continues today as ranchers use the surrounding lands for cattle grazing.

Recreation and tourism began to thrive in City of Rocks National Reserve during the 1960s , as visitors were drawn to the area’s historic emigrant signatures and its uniquely sculpted granite formations. This early interest grew exponentially when rock climbers from Utah discovered the granite spires, forever changing the Reserve's trajectory.

By the 1980s , the increasing popularity of climbing and camping underscored the need for active management to protect the Reserve’s historic and natural resources . In response, Congress designated City of Rocks as a National Reserve in 1988 , granting joint management to the National Park Service and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation .

Today, City of Rocks remains a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, balancing recreation with the preservation of its rich history and stunning landscapes.

Step back in time and explore the rich history of City of Rocks through a collection of historic photographs. These images offer a glimpse into the lives, landscapes, and events that shaped the Reserve and the stories of those who traveled or lived here. View more historic photos here and uncover the legacy of this remarkable place.

City of Rocks has long inspired those who traveled its trails. Emigrants on the California Trail often recorded their impressions of the unique landscape in their journals. Click here to explore some of these historic journal entries and gain insight into their experiences.

For those interested in the individuals who left their signatures on the rocks , click here to learn more about their stories and the legacy they left behind.

The Reserve preserves 22 rocks within the California Trail corridor that feature emigrant signatures. A comprehensive database of signatures is maintained by the Reserve. To inquire whether a specific name is included, contact the cultural resources department at 208-824-5915 . These resources offer an unparalleled glimpse into the history and humanity of this iconic trail.

City of Rocks, an extraordinary encirclement of granite rising out of the gently rolling sagebrush country in south-central Idaho, 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 was designated a national natural landmark in recognition of the nationally significant geological and scenic values of its rock formations. The landscape of City of Rocks has been sculpted from granite that was intruded into the crust during two widely spaced times. The granite that composes most of the spires is part of the 28 million year old Almo pluton. However, some of the spires are made of granite that is part of the 2.5 billion year old Green Creek Complex that contains some of the oldest rocks in the United States. The granite has eroded into a fascinating assortment of shapes and sizes.

Situated in the northern Basin and Range province, the Reserve is a crossroads for many habitats, such as pinyon-juniper woodlands, aspen-riparian communities, sagebrush steppe, mountain mahogany woodlands and high elevation meadows.

Extensive plant surveys have been conducted within the Reserve, documenting over 450 species. The most definitive inventory, Vascular Plants of City of Rocks: An Annotated Checklist, was published by Tom John in 1995.

From March through October, blossoms and foliage of all colors beckon visitors to stop for a closer look. 100 common and showy herbaceous (soft-stemmed) wildflowers provides a sample of what can be seen while visiting the parks. There are 45 common woody plants; trees, shrubs and vines located in the park.

Antelope bitterbrush is one of the more abundant shrubs in the park, second only to sagebrush. Here, as in many other areas, it dominates communities immediately below pinyon-juniper woodlands, where the dry, open slopes and sandy, well-drained soils provide the perfect habitat.

Bitterbush is a medium sized shrub with extensive branches and many small, three-lobed leaves, similar in appearance to sagebrush. These leaves will often roll inward as a protective response to heat, exposing the densely hairy underside to prevent water loss.

Since bitterbrush is a member of the rose family, its blossoms exhibit a five-petal arrangement of numerous, small, cream-colored flowers that create a dramatic display in late spring. Aptly named, antelope bitterbrush provides critical winter browse for pronghorn, mule deer and other ungulates. The seeds are an important dietary staple for birds and small rodents. Land managers utilize bitterbrush to vegetate disturbed areas caused by erosion or wildfire. Many flowers are associated with bitterbrush, such as lupine, Arrowleaf Balsamroot, and Mule's Ear.

Caught on camera! Check out this fascinating glimpse into the diverse animal lives that intersect at this little oasis. Watch till the end to see our largest carnivore! Can you name all 11 species featured in this video? This incredible critter-cam footage was captured by a local student-scientist and his dad as part of an ongoing project.

One of the Reserve's most notable qualities is its large degree of biological diversity concentrated in a relatively small area. Located in the Northern Basin and Range province, the habitat of the Reserve supports a large variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates.

At first glance, City of Rocks would appear to be a tough place for wildlife to survive. Diverse habitats at various elevations lead to an area bursting with wildlife. It goes without saying that animals at City of Rocks are equipped with special adaptations to survive extreme conditions. During summer, most fauna are active at night, thereby escaping the often hot, dry days. Winter forces wildlife to migrate to better environments or to hibernate. To see as many different types as possible, include the following habitats in your search: pinyon-juniper-mahogany forest, aspen-riparian areas, sagebrush flats, and spruce-firpine forest above 7,000 feet.

Most visitors to City of Rocks will observe mule deer, mountain cottontail, blacktail jack rabbit,yellow-bellied marmot and golden-mantled and least chipmunks. Also documented within the Reserve are the more elusive mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, moose, and elk.

The high desert ecosystem and rocky cliffs of the reserve provide an excellent habitat for many birds. Within City of Rocks and Almo Valley, 180 species of birds have been documented, and are included on the City of Rocks Bird Checklist.

Common lizard species, found at the Reserve, include the Western Whiptail, Western Fence Lizard, Long-nosed Leopard Lizard, Sagebrush Lizard, and Northern Desert Horned Lizard. Snakes include the Rubber Boa, Western Rattlesnake, Great Basin Gopher Snake, Striped Whipsnake, and Wandering Garter Snake.

Learn about the Ecological History of City of Rocks. Dr. Lesley Argo-Morris has published a study that describes the changes in vegetation along the California Trail corridor within the Reserve. From approximately 1840 to the present, the focus is upon the period of peak pioneer travel (1843-1869).

Pinyon pine is a widely distributed pine that grows in the Intermountain region of western North America. It is a major indicator tree in the pinyon-juniper life zone. P. edulis is a short and scrubby tree that rarely reaches heights taller than 35 feet. Growth is very slow and trees with with diameters of 4 to 6 inches can be several hundred years old. It typically grows either in pure stands or with juniper.

In addition to being very attractive, pinyon provides food and shelter for wildlife, such as the pinyon jay and many small rodents that depend on nuts within the cone. Native American tribes also valued the pine nut for its high oil and fat content.

City of Rocks and Castle Rocks boast the largest forest of the single-leaf pinyon in Idaho, as well as the state champion tree. Because the parks are situated near the northern extent of the pinyon's range, few if any are found north of the Snake River in Idaho. Pinyon trees in the City of Rocks area are being threatened. Learn more about the issue on our blog - Opining on the Pinyon.

Pack rats, abundant in City of Rocks, collect vegetation from a range of about 50 meters in diameter, to create their nests. All water consumed by pack rats comes from the vegetation and results in a fairly viscous amber colored urine. The remaining liquid in the urine, excreted in the nest, evaporates and encases collected vegetation into hard midden.

A sample from this midden is currently under study by a team from the University of Arizona and the U.S. Geological Survey, headed by Dr. Julio Betancourt. Dr. Betancourt believes this sample to be about 10,000 years old. This research is to determine what the climate was like in the past and how it has changed over time.

Because middens are abandoned after a short period of time, they are uncontaminated "time capsules" of several decades of natural life, centuries, and millenia after they have occurred.

Most visitors to City of Rocks will observe Mule Deer, Mountain Cottontail, Blacktail Jack Rabbit, Yellow-Bellied Marmot and Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel, Northern Pocket Gopher, and Least Chipmunks. The reserve and surrounding area is also home to a number of species that rarely occur further north in Idaho such as the Cliff Chipmunk, Ringtail, Pygmy Rabbit and Desert Bighorn Sheep. Also documented within the reserve are the more elusive Mountain Lion, Bobcat, Coyote, Moose, and Elk. All documented mammals are included in the reserve's Wildlife Checklist.

The marmot is the largest of the ground squirrels, a close relative of the woodchuck of the East and Midwest. The yellow-bellied marmot is a heavy-set, brown grizzled animal with white areas on the chin and (as the name suggests) a yellowish belly. Marmots can be waddling fat in the fall, and their long fur makes them look even fatter. Adults are about 26 inches long and weigh up to about 11 pounds. Predators include the coyote, badger, bobcat, golden eagle, hawks, owls, weasels and marten. However, predation probably is a less important cause of mortality than the stress of hibernation. Marmots are protected by a rocky habitat and a social system of alarm calls.

Range: Marmots are widespread in western North America. Marmots are associated with alpine meadows, but they actually live in suitable habitat down to the lower foothills.

Habitat: Marmots burrow deep into the soil beneath boulders to den. Up to half of their summer weight is lost during hibernation; animals with insufficient fat or a burrow too shallow to prevent freezing, do not arouse in the spring.

Diet: Preferred foods are flowering stalks, but marmots eat the leaves of a variety of grasses and forbs.

Reproduction: After hibernation, the marmot emerges to mate as soon as green forage is available. After a 30-day gestation period, approximately five offspring are born. They are weaned at 20 to 30 days. A single male maintains a territory with a harem of several females, yearlings and young of the year.

With sightings documented from Canada to Argentina, the Mountain Lion (also known as Puma, Cougar, and Panther) is the most widely distributed feline in North America. Although as many as three individual lions include City of Rocks in their home range, the chance of actually seeing one is unlikely, but evidence of their existence is readily available.

Tracks and scat are the most common clues to lion activity. Tracks are round with 4 distinct toe pads. No claw marks should be evident, as claws are retracted while walking. The size of the foreprint can range from 3-4" and the hindprint should be slightly smaller. Scat can range in shape and size from masses to irregular cylinders to pellets, and frequently contains traces of hair and bone scraps. Sometimes covered by earth, scat is often left partially exposed as a form of territorial scent marking. Strong, silent, solitary and territorial all accurately describe this elusive cat. Hunting by day or night, a male can cover up to 25 miles searching for prey.

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 City of Rocks checklist area includes the National Reserve, Castle Rocks State Park, and the Almo and Upper Raft River valleys. The checklist area is further defined as the watershed south of Cache Peak, west of the Jim Sage Mountain crest, north of the Utah border and east of the Birch Creek Road. The area includes approximately 150 square miles (over 96,000 acres), and elevations ranging from 5,026 to 10,339 feet. Geographically, this area is unique and biologically diverse. The vast wetlands of the Great Salt Lake lie just south of the Raft River Mountains. The Snake River Plain is 45 miles north. Between these vital waters, birds find rest on local farm ponds, along riparian streams, upon the cliffs and within the canyons of the southern Albion Mountains. Habitat varies greatly, from greasewood flats and sagebrush steppe, to dense woodlands of pinyon-juniper, mountain mahogany, aspen-fir, and alpine. Equally unique is the geology. Two types of granite, one over a hundred times older than the other, are exposed and rise 600 feet from the landscape as sculpted monoliths and towers. The checklist area also includes quartzite cliffs, rhyolitic mountains, and schist outcrops. You will find this rugged topography and network of roads and trails optimal for a full day of productive birding. A single day of birding (especially in late May and early June) may offer over 120 species if all of these habitats are exploited. Even in winter, one might find over 40! The official checklist for this area includes 187 species. Because birds are seemingly everywhere all of the time, they are easily enjoyed just by quiet observation and listening. For those visitors that seek to observe specific species or as many as they can on a visit, a few tools have been developed to guide you and to improve your chances. These include:

Under a canopy of stars, a glowing tent at City of Rocks National Reserve offers a front-row seat to the Milky Way and the serenity of the wilderness. NPS Plan Your Stay: Camping at City of Rocks Camping at City of Rocks National Reserve is an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. Pitch your tent under the cool shade of aspens, junipers, mountain mahogany, or pines, and spend your nights surrounded by towering granite spires and breathtaking star-filled skies. Reservations are Required Reservations are required year-round for all campsites, including tent-only, RV, group, and equestrian sites. Walk-ins are not permitted. Start Here: Visit the official reservation page to secure your campsite. Same-day reservations are allowed, subject to availability. Camping Reservations Frequently Asked Question . Campsite Features: 69 standard campsites and 3 group sites with easy access to hiking trails and scenic vistas. Each campsite includes a fire ring/ground grill and a picnic table. Clean vault toilets are centrally located. Seasonal drinking water is available at Bath Rock. Important Notes: Group and equestrian site reservations must be made in advance. Backcountry camping requires a special permit. Recreational Vechicles Many campsites within the Reserve do not allow recreational vehicles (RVs). An RV is defined as any vehicle designed or converted for recreation, camping, or sleeping purposes.

Camping Options at City of Rocks Tent-Only Campsites For a traditional camping experience, tent-only sites are available at the following locations: 01, 02, 08, 09, 10, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 33, 34, 35, 44, 48, 49, 50, 53, 54, 55, 58, 59, 60, and 61. Small RV Campsites (Up to 18 ft) For visitors traveling with smaller recreational vehicles, the following campsites accommodate RVs up to 18 feet: 03, 04, 06, 17, 20, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 51, and 56. Medium RV Campsites (Up to 28 ft) Medium-sized RVs (up to 28 feet) are welcome at these sites: 05, 07, 11, 12, 13, 21, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 52, 57, 62, 63, and 64. Specialized Camping Options Backcountry Camping For a more remote and adventurous experience, City of Rocks offers designated backcountry camping in the Indian Grove area . Permits are required for backcountry camping. Visit the backcountry camping page for more information. Group Campsites Ideal for larger groups (up to 25 people and seven motor vehicles, including RVs), group campsites are located at: Twin Sisters Bread Loaves Juniper Equestrian Camping Juniper Group Site: This site includes a one-acre corral, standard campsite amenities, and a vault toilet. Please note, there is no running water on-site. Visitors should bring their own water or arrange for water delivery for a fee. Smoky Mountain Campground: This campground features 38 sites with water(seasonally), electricity, and paved camping spurs. There is also an equestrian loop with 5 sites with individual 12 X12 corrals. Flushing toilets and showers are also available seasonally. For more details, refer to the Smoky Mountain camping page.

Smoky Mountain Campground Smoky Mountain Campground is conveniently located just two miles away from the Visitor Center and services in the town of Almo.

There are 38 campsites available, 9 of which are pull-through. Sites 11 and 24 are designated ADA accessible. A separate loop with 6 sites accommodates equestrian campers. Each site includes: water service May-September 30 amp electrical hook-ups fire-ring/ground grill picnic table partial shade There are flush toilets and showers open May-September and a vault toilet open year-round at the equestrian trail head. An RV dump station is provided near the campground entrance.

Protecting Our Starry Skies at City of Rocks City of Rocks is committed to preserving its exceptional starry skies and supporting nocturnal wildlife by minimizing artificial light pollution. Inside the Reserve, no artificial lighting is used. Outside the Reserve, administrative buildings and overnight facilities are equipped with dark-sky-friendly fixtures. These fixtures follow principles of responsible outdoor lighting, designed to reduce light pollution and protect the natural nighttime environment. As a visitor, you can play an important role in maintaining this precious natural darkness. When camping in City of Rocks, please limit your light use, especially avoiding excessively bright lights that shine upward or disturb others. To support "Dark Hours" and ensure everyone can enjoy the night skies, extinguish all unnecessary lighting by 10 PM . Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting 1. Light Only What You Need: Use light only for specific tasks or areas where it is absolutely necessary, such as finding your way or performing a task. 2. Shield Lights and Direct Them Downward: Avoid pointing lights toward the sky. Use shields or fixtures to direct light downward and reduce glare, illuminating only the intended area. 3. Use the Lowest Light Level Necessary: Choose light sources with low lumen levels suitable for your task. Brighter is not always better, especially when preserving the night. 4. Install Motion Detectors and Timers: Use motion sensors, switches, or timers to control outdoor lighting so it is only on when needed, minimizing unnecessary use. 5. Opt for Warm-Colored Lights: Select lights with a color temperature below 3000 Kelvin. These warm-colored lights emit less blue light, which is less disruptive to the environment and wildlife.

Camping Rules at City of Rocks and Smoky Mountain Campgrounds To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, please follow these camping rules: General Guidelines Pay Fees: Fees must be paid online or by calling the reservation line. Length of Stay: Camping is limited to 14 days within a 30-day period . Pets: Pets must be leashed at all times and not left unattended. Please clean up after your pets. Firewood: Gathering firewood is prohibited. Bring your own firewood or purchase locally. Use Established Areas: Use only established campsites, tent pads, and fire rings. Fireworks: Fireworks are strictly prohibited. No Generators Allowed Quiet Hours Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM . Please respect your fellow campers during these hours. Campsite Limits City of Rocks: Each campsite is limited to 8 people, 2 vehicles, and 2 tents . Smoky Mountain: The same limits apply— 8 people, 2 vehicles, and 2 tents per site. Check-In and Check-Out Times Check-in: 2:00 PM Check-out: 1:00 PM Pack It In, Pack It Out City of Rocks is a trash-free Reserve . All visitors are required to pack out their trash. Additional Vehicle and Tent Rules Only one camping unit with built-in sleeping accommodations (motorized or towed) is allowed per site. All vehicles and camping equipment must fit within the designated campsite boundaries. At Smoky Mountain Campground , tents must fit on designated tent pads. For Idaho State parks (Castle Rocks & Smoky Mountain campground) and facilities, all vehicles must pay the Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee (MVEF) or display an Idaho Parks Passport sticker.

Equestrian Rules: Help us maintain scenic quality and natural resources by adhering to the following: Do not tie stock directly to trees, please use the corrals Do not take stock animals through the main camping loop in Smoky Mountain Use weed-free hay or pellets Remove manure and excess hay from sites If possible use pellets instead of hay or suspend hay in netting Keep horses away from potable water spigots and electrical pedestals

Looking more accomodation options? Check out The Lodge, Bunkhouse, Willow Glamping Yurt, and Picnic Shelter.

Smoky Mountain Campground is conveniently located just two miles away from the Visitor Center and services in the town of Almo. There are 38 campsites available, 9 of which are pull-through. Sites 11 and 24 are designated ADA accessible. A separate loop with 6 sites accommodates equestrian campers. Each site includes:

There are flush toilets and showers open May-September and a vault toilet open year-round at the equestrian trail head. An RV dump station is provided near the campground entrance. Click here for information on making a reservation .