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City of Rocks – Climbing for All Levels

ByElizabeth

Rock climbing at the City of Rocks National Reserve is an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With its unique granite rock formations, this world-renowned climbing destination offers a wide range of routes and adventures for climbers of all skill levels.

Kids Climbing City of Rock

City of Rocks National Reserve

The City of Rocks, located in southern Idaho, has over 600 climbing routes for both traditional and sport climbers. Whether you’re a beginner looking to try your hand at climbing or an experienced climber seeking a new challenge, the City of Rocks offers a variety of options. The granite rockface has excellent grip and solid holds, allowing climbers to feel confident and secure on the wall. The routes range from easy slab climbs to challenging crack systems and technical face climbs.

Getting There

Cost of Visiting City of Rocks

City of Rocks is run by the National Park Service. There was no entry fee when we went, but the latest information can be found here.

Parking for City of Rocks

There is lots of parking spread throughout the park. Some areas have large parking lots, and others are just an area to pull off the side of the road.

Rock Climbing City of Rocks

City of Rocks Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is located in Almo, Idaho. It is a great place to learn about the history in the area, including Native Americans and emigrants on the California Trail. You can still see the trail made by the wagon wheels across the desert. You can explore covered wagons at the visitor center, and of course, our favorite activity of getting a Junior Ranger Badge. It is such a great way to learn about the history and geography and geology of the area!

Rock Climbing at City of Rocks

There are so many rock climbing routes to choose from at City of Rocks. Whether you are a beginner looking to try out rock climbing or a brave soul wanting to try the multi-pitch climbs up Parking Lot Rock, you will find it at City of Rocks. Some climbing spots are right off the road and some are a bit farther in and you have to hike a little to get to them. You can bring your own equipment for rock climbing or you can hire guides who have the equipment you will need.

City of Rocks Idaho Climbing

Easy Rock Climbing

There are multiple areas that have easy climbs that are not straight up, but you can hook into your harness and get the whole experience. Our kids loved these climbs and it is a fantastic place to learn how to rock climb.

City of Rocks Kids Climbing

Scrambling

You can also scramble up the backside of some of the cliffs. These are not steep enough to need a harness, but are lots of fun to explore.

City of Rocks Easy Climb

Moderate Rock Climbing

There are many routes that are easy/moderate throughout the park. There are apps you can get to help you find the route that you want to climb and suites you best. Our favorite app is Mountain Project, but there are lots that are great (make sure to do your research before heading to City of Rocks as there is no cell service out there). We also love that there are places to explore at the bases of the cliffs to keep the kids busy so that we could enjoy a little climbing as well.

City of Rocks Rock Climbing

Difficult Rock Climbing

Lots of people come to City of Rocks to test their climbing skills. We were not skilled or brave enough to even attempt these, but we enjoyed watching the people who were! Maybe we’ll get there some day.

What to Pack

There is nowhere to get food in City of Rocks, so make sure that you bring meals and snacks. There is some water at the campgrounds, but it’s best to just bring your own water. Don’t forget to pack all of your climbing gear- helmet, harness, shoes, ropes, carabiners, etc- it’s a long way to anywhere if you forget something. You will also want sunscreen and a hat as there is not a lot of shade.

Is it Worth Rock Climbing at City of Rocks?

Absolutely! It is an amazing experience and there are so many different routes you can try. It’s even worth visiting if you just plan on watching the rock climbers.

City of Rock View

Recreate Responsibly

Please remember to recreate responsibly so that other people can enjoy it after you. Pack out what you pack in and be respectful to the plants and animals you come in contact with. Leave the rock how you found it and don’t carve anything into it.

Explore Close By

Elizabeth is the mother of the Tall Adventure Fam. She is the organizer of chaos and planner of all activities. She had cancer when she was 12 and takes 1000s of pictures of everything to help combat memory issues from chemotherapy. She decided she wanted to share their travel experience so other people can get out and enjoy the world around them, so she started this family travel blog in 2023.

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