City of Rocks, Idaho

City of Rocks, Idaho is one of the most impressive places experienced by this individual. Granite edifices dotted over the landscape jut toward the sky creating what appears to be a literal city of rocks. The power that forced the creation of such a place is incomprehensible.

Now a National Reserve, named by James F. Wilkins in 1849, once served as a resting place for the pioneers who sought opportunity in California. Aside from the prominent granite edifices so prominent, are the names and dates of those who traveled here long ago. Found, is a registry of sorts. Their names and the dates of arrival to this “silent city” can be found in multiple locations through out the Reserve.

The nature sculpted beauty of the area is incredible. There are many features and attractions unique to this area located in southwestern corner of Idaho. Here are just a few.

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TWIN SISTERS

At south exit to the Reserve stands two huge granite features known as Twin Sisters. They are an impressive pair. They reside about a half mile from Pinnacle Pass where those on the California Trail departed the City of Rocks headed West.

The history found in the place is a seeker of the past’s paradise. A portion of the California Trail can be explored, as well as a section of the Boise-Kelton Stage Route. If you make your destination here, plan on spending several days just exploring its abundant trails rich in scenery and history.

ELEPHANT ROCK

One of the major attractions to the area is rock climbing. There are other things one can do here, but the primary activity is climbing and repelling the large structures scattered throughout the Reserve. Twin Sisters, above, is climbed and explored, but the main attraction for the climber is Elephant Rock.

To call this a “rock” requires one to appreciate just how much understatements in fact thrive in our sometimes sarcastic culture. It is gigantic. It is clear to even the casual observer why this “little” piece of the area might be attractive to the climber. However, do not believe for a moment that this area is for the amateur.

Climbs featuring edifices named Rabbit Rock, Morning Glory Spire, and Bread Loaves attract climbers from all over the world. Highly technical climbs to less technical exist and according to the National Park Service boast climbs that rival those in Yosemite National Park. So, if you are a rock climber, especially one interested in a piece of historical United States of America, then this place is absolutely for you.

PHOTOGRAPHY

There is room for the photographer as well. If you love dynamic landscapes and have a desire to make a few photographs to add to your portfolio this is certainly a place to do it. At your disposal are long sweeping vistas that provide layer after layer of differing foliage back dropped by impressive granite rock and pine covered mountains.

For those who seek a unique natural subject for their portfolio there are trees and foliage of various kinds that have made their way through the cracks and crevices of stone. They simply sit and wait for the image maker to pass their way. They scream, “LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME!” as one passes by.

And of course, there are the climbers. They are a built in feature for those photographers seeking to display a little danger in action. They need no direction as models, because their poses are always perfect. You may have to wait just a little while to catch them at just the right moment though.

City of Rocks National Reserve in Idaho is a place that would be well worth your time to visit. Whether you are looking for adventure, history, a unique experience in a unique place, or to simply make some photographs, the investment in travel time and expense would not be wasted. Consider it and then expect to be thoroughly impressed by what surrounds you when you arrive.

(Note: Information on City of Rocks National Reserve was collected from information provided by the National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. You can find more information on City of Rocks National Reserve at http://www.nps.gov/ciro.)