City of Rocks Road

City of Rocks Road is an easy trip through history and a maze of ancient granite spires thrust up through the earth's crust thousands of years ago. Numerous hiking trails spur off the road, leading deep into this geological wonderland with granite towers that are a rock climbers' mecca.

Between 1845 and 1869, the California Trail saw over 250,000 easterners moving westward in search of the promised riches of the California Gold Rush. The California Trail ran through what is now the City of Rocks National Reserve, where wagon ruts are still visible beside the road today. The emigrants named the place Pyramid Valley for the pointed spires surrounding the lush central valley, a favorite camping location along the trail. A few travelers even wrote their names in axle grease on Register Rock, many of which are still visible today.

Camping in the City of Rocks Reserve is limited to designated campsites, which must be reserved. Sites have fire pits and picnic tables and range from walk-in tent pads to large sites for small RVs or trailers. Site 16 has a fabulous view and can accommodate a larger vehicle or trailer. Nearby Smokey Mountain Campground sits in a large juniper and pinion forest, offering 38 campsites with RV hookups. The small town of Almo hosts the Visitor Center, a small general store with a gas pump, two restaurants, and numerous commercial campgrounds.