Starting from the parking lot, this short trail loops around the looming granite formation of Bath Rock. The rock is named for large natural pools of water atop this 240-foot tall monolith. Adventurous visitors can climb up the back side of Bath Rock where handles are affixed along the steepest section of the climb.
Camp Rock was a favorite resting place for emigrants traveling along the California Trail. Some wrote their names in axle grease on the rock faces. Now over 160 years later, we can see those names and wonder what it was like for them as they traveled throught the City of Rocks. Hundreds of inscriptions and dates can be seen ranging from 1843-1882.
Castle Rock is the centerpiece of this 1.5 mile loop trail. It features impressive rocks as well as archaeological sites such as the Shock and Awe Shelter and pictographs.
The Shelter is an attractive western style building with wooden beams, stained tile floor, and a roof that covers a 30 x14 foot area. The shelter comes with six picnic tables, electrical receptacles and a charcoal grill that has a cooking surface of 37 x 37 inches. A vault toilet and non-potable water spigot is located nearby. This is a day use facility only, no camping.
From sagebrush flats to high country groves, this trail takes you deep into the “City.” This remote loop hike is a ranger favorite. The combination of pine trees, rock formations, and epic views offer a surprise at every turn of the trail.
The City of Rocks National Reserve is a National Historic Landmark associated with the mass overland westward migration. Emigrants traveling the California Trail would reach Circle Creek in the City of Rocks and nooned or camped. Some of these emigrants left their names on the rocks along the trail within the Reserve. The reserve is a great place to view wildlife along the trail.
Creekside Towers is an out-and-back 1.2-mile trail. The trail’s gentle grade of 122 feet relative elevation is suitable for families with children or anyone looking for an easier hike in the Reserve. Interesting geologic sculptures line the trail. In spring and early summer enjoy the running creek and small cascading waterfall. Outstanding scenery, granite pinnacles, and a diversity of plants and animals await.
Have you ever visited City of Rocks and wondered, “How did this happen?” or “Why do the rocks look like this?” The Geological Interpretive Trail is the perfect short hike to: see fascinating geological formations up close examine the difference between the Green Creek Complex and Almo Pluton learn about the geologic history of this landscape
