Which national parks are within a day's drive of City Of Rocks National Reserve?

Within about a day's drive you can reach Minidoka National Historic Site (1 h 48 min), Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument (2 h 24 min), Golden Spike National Historical Park (2 h 58 min), Timpanogos Cave National Monument (3 h 55 min), Fossil Butte National Monument (4 h 39 min), Grand Teton National Park (5 h 18 min).

Snow dusted granite formations jut up from a mountainous juniper covered landscape.

NATIONAL RESERVE

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.

Photo: NPS Photo / NPS

state

things to do

parks within a day

OVERVIEW

About 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.

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

City Of Rocks National Reserve◆◆this park

National Historic Site · Idaho

Minidoka National Historic Site

City Of Rocks National Reserve◆◆this park

National Monument · Idaho

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

City Of Rocks National Reserve◆◆this park

National Historical Park · Utah

Golden Spike National Historical Park

City Of Rocks National Reserve◆◆this park

National Monument · Utah

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

City Of Rocks National Reserve◆◆this park

National Monument · Wyoming

Fossil Butte National Monument

City Of Rocks National Reserve◆◆this park

National Park · Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park

Driving times from City Of Rocks National Reserve, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

WHEN TO GO

Hours

City of Rocks National Reserve

Mon: All Day
Tue: All Day
Wed: All Day
Thu: All Day
Fri: All Day
Sat: All Day
Sun: All Day

THINGS TO DO

Activities

AstronomyAuto and ATVBackcountry CampingBikingBirdwatchingBookstore and Park StoreCampingCar or Front Country CampingClimbingCross-Country SkiingFirst Person InterpretationFishingFoodGift Shop and SouvenirsGroup CampingGuided ToursHikingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Horse Camping (see also camping)Horse TrekkingHorseback RidingHuntingHunting and GatheringIce ClimbingIce SkatingJunior Ranger ProgramLiving HistoryMountain BikingPicnickingRV CampingRock ClimbingScenic DrivingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingShoppingSkiingSnow PlaySnowmobilingSnowshoeingStargazingWildlife Watching

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

City of Rocks is located in south-central Idaho within the northern edge of the Basin and Range geologic province. Outdoor recreation can be pleasant from April through October. Summers are generally dry with 10 to 15 inches of precipitation in winter and spring. Summer temperatures range widely with night time lows occasionally approaching freezing and midday highs nearing 100° F; however, the typical range of low and high temperature is 45-85. Thunderstorms are common in the summer months (June - August)

Directions →Official NPS page →

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do at City Of Rocks National Reserve?: Popular activities include Astronomy, Auto and ATV, Backcountry Camping, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of City Of Rocks National Reserve?: Within about a day's drive you can reach Minidoka National Historic Site (1 h 48 min), Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument (2 h 24 min), Golden Spike National Historical Park (2 h 58 min), Timpanogos Cave National Monument (3 h 55 min), Fossil Butte National Monument (4 h 39 min), Grand Teton National Park (5 h 18 min).