City Of Rocks National Reserve

Described by California Trail emigrants as “a city of tall spires,” “steeple rocks,” and “the silent city,” this awe-inspiring landscape continues to captivate. Today, it beckons rock climbers, hikers, campers, hunters, and adventurers with its dramatic scenery, fascinating geology, and echoes of the Old West. The Silent City is ready for you to explore.

City of Rocks Granite

Explore the City

Snow dusted granite formations jut up from a mountainous juniper covered landscape.

City of Rocks

City of Rocks offers sweeping vistas and awe-inspiring scenery.

3 silhouetted foggy granite formations highlighted by golden sunlight.

Indian Grove Overlook

The majority of outcrops in City of Rocks and all of the pinnacles are either Almo Pluton or Green Creek Complex granite.

Grand scenic view looking down from a high elevation. Granite spires jut up from the landscape.

Twin Sisters

Twin Sisters may be similar in size and shape, but one is 2.5 billion years old, the younger sister is only 28 million years old.

Two granite pinnacles right next to each other that are similar in size and shape.

Window Arch at City of Rocks

Forces of nature sculpt unexpected features in granite such as Window Arch

A granite arch is displayed on the horizon

Replica Emigrant Wagons at City of Rocks

Nearly 250,000 California-bound emigrants traveled through City of Rocks (1843-1882)

Replica emigrant wagons rest unhitched at sunrise

Emigrant Signatures at City of Rocks

California-bound emigrants painted their signature on Register Rock in 1850

Emigrant signature written with axle-grease on granite

Climber on Morning Glory Spire

Over half of the 100,000 annual visitors to City of Rocks come to experience climbing

A climber ascends a granite spire with mountains in the distance.

Window Arch

Window Arch is one of many impressive rock features found in City of Rocks.

Granite arch with sunset peeking through.

Silent City of Rocks

Winter is a great time to experience quiet and solitude in City of Rocks.

Snowy granite pinnacles.