Castle Rocks State Park, a former ranch, is Idaho's newest state park, located adjacent to the City of Rocks National Reserve. Its 1440 acres includes similar outstanding rock formations, early 20th century ranch structures and pastures. Facilities are still in development but recreational opportunities include rock climbing,photography, picnicking,wildflower viewing, hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and superb birdwatching.
The Park Today
July 12 Centennial Celebration at City of Rocks & Castle Rock: 10am-4pm
• ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK: Nature hikes will highlight the flora and fauna of the area, including birds, animal tracks, flowers, and rocks (10-12am). There will be special materials for kids using Jr. Ranger and Just4Kids workbooks.
• REFRESHMENTS IN THE PARK: Birthday cake—Dutch oven style (YUM!)
• CONDITIONS IN THE PARK TODAY
Smoky Mountain Campground a unit of Castle Rocks State Park is open for camping all year. Electricity is available at each campsite; non potable water is available at the dump station and bathrooms (toilets and sinks) only. Please do not drink the water.
Water service at campsites is now available and is potable.
Castle Rocks recreation area is open but some of the trails are wet with limited snow coverage. Potable water is available at the Ranch Unit.
Idaho’s newest state park features giant granite spires known collectively as Castle Rocks. Congress authorized the National Park Service to purchase Castle Rock Ranch in November 2000. The Park Service exchanged the ranch for land owned by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation inside Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument. The exchange was completed in 2004. Some of the geologic features are outside the park, but within the Castle Rocks Interagency Recreation Area. The department has partnered with the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service to manage recreation throughout the Castle Rocks geologic area.
What to See
The 1,240-acre ranch includes examples of early 20th Century ranching structures, irrigated pasture and striking scenery. Some spires rival nearby City of Rocks National Reserve, and offer exceptional rock climbing. Other recreational opportunities include picnicking, hiking, equestrian trails, and wildlife viewing. Mule deer, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, and the state’s first recorded ringtail are found here. Bird watching is superb, with nesting populations of common snipe, sandhill crane and sage grouse frequently encountered.
The park also protects some of the most pristine archeological sites in southern Idaho. Evidence suggests that Castle Rocks was favored by different cultures over the previous 2,470 years. Portions of the park are included in the City of Rocks National Historic Landmark.
The image below provides a 360 degree view of the park. Left click to move within the image. Pressing the shift key will allow you to zoom in. Ctrl allows you to zoom out.
Camping
There is primitive camping available nearby in the City of Rocks National Reserve.
What to Expect
The park currently operates from 7 am to 10 pm. A motor vehicle entrance fee is charged. The Ranch House is open most days from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and contains exhibits about the park and ranching heritage. Maps, brochures, guidebooks and souvenirs are available.