One of the extraordinary geological sites on land, the City of Rocks National Reserve, remains one of the main attractions Idahoa's. The reserve, managed Idaho, the Department of Parks and Recreation under a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service, encompasses 14,407 acres of Idaho, south central, northern Idaho / Nevada border. About a quarter of the surface is privately owned. Established as a National Reserve in 1988, the site is known for its importance scenic, geological and historical.

A "Rocks" that give this area its name are granite rock formations dating to the 2.5 million years, making them some of the oldest formations found in the United States. This is not just a pile of rocks. There are dozens of granite columns that reach up to 60 stories tall, looming dramatically above a sagebrush covered basin that has the background colors of the mountains of Albion.

Outcrops of granite has been molded through the years by wind and weather. Some of the visitors to see the faces, buildings and animal figures on the rocks. What they see is limited to your imagination.

City of Rocks was an important milestone for those pioneers traveling west on California's famous route. Pioneer Newspapers, 1843 describes in detail the rocks as "a city of high spiresÂ" a "tower of rocks", and an exhibition of "all manner of fantastic shapesÂ. Be sure to take a walk to see the towers inscriptions written in the axes fat travelers pass through the route of California.

The rock formations adjacent to the mountain meadows and lush pinon-juniper and mahogany tree Current mountain. Arrowleaf Balsamroot and other wild flowers are starting this spring and lasting through late autumn. Recreational opportunities include walking, hiking, wildlife observation, photography, horseback riding, mountain biking, and picnicking. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are very popular during the winter months.

Rock climbing is a favorite activity. City of rocks in one of the best granite climbing areas face anywhere the world. About 700 climbing routes have been developed. A hundred to 300-foot rock needles provide most of the possibilities of climbing, but the needles of up to 600 feet height are available for highly skilled adventurers. Private Publication climbing guides are available for sale at the headquarters of the Reserve and the City of Rocks Visitor Center located near the small town of Almo.

One of the many Idahoa tourist routes, the 49-mile long city rocks back Country Byway passes the site. This Scenic Byway begins in the small town of Albion on Idaho State Route 77. To the south, the Byway passes Pomerelle Ski Ski and Recreation Area Lake Cleveland. The route passes through small communities of Elba and Almo before reaching the City of Rocks National Reserve.

Since the reserve, following Birch Creek Byway to the city of Oakley, Idaho where it meets State Route 27. The entire town of Oakley is on the National Register Historic Places. The city has Idahoa The largest concentration of old wooden frame and stone buildings. Byway This drive takes about 1.5 hours and has a experience of great combination with the additional time spent in the City of Rocks Reserve.

Primitive camping is available at Howell Canyon and the city of rocks. RV parks are available in Oakley and north of the city of rocks on Route Interstate 84 Interchange in the Snake River.

On a visit to Idaho be sure to include a visit to the City of Rocks National Reserve. Dona't forget the camera!

Granstrom, an Idaho resident, published and manages a website listing IdahoÂ’s many adventure opportunities for visitors. See his site at http://www.idaho-insider.com

Hike to Wildcat Camp, Pt. Reyes, CA