rock formations surrounded by trees with mountains in the distance — City of Rocks National Reserve. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

A winding dirt road surrounded by orange and yellow shrubbery with rock formations in the distance — City of Rocks National Reserve, near Almo. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Rock formations with yellow and green trees in the foreground — City of Rocks National Reserve, near Almo. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

a person rock climbing — Elephant Rock, City of Rocks National Reserve. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

a car driving along a winding dirt road surrounded by desert shrubs with mountains in the background — City of Rocks National Reserve. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

A family of three with a dog outside behind a truck with a rooftop tent at Smoky Mountain Campground. — Smoky Mountain Campground, Castle Rocks State Park. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

a family of three with their dog walking along a trail surrounded by desert shrubs with rock formations in the background — On the way to Elephant Rock, City of Rocks National Reserve. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

City of Rocks Backcountry Byway

The City of Rocks Backcountry Byway weaves through the Albion Mountain Range and rural landscapes peppered with towering granite spires. Beginning in Albion on Idaho 77, the byway passes by Pomerelle Mountain Resort and Lake Cleveland Recreation Area as it heads south. Attracting rock climbers, campers and hikers, the City of Rocks National Reserve and the neighboring Castle Rocks State Park feature enchanting geologic wonders.

Length

49.4 miles
79.5 km

Time

1 hour, 18 minutes

Region

South Central Idaho

When to Visit

April to November

31 Byways. 31 Ways to Be Inspired.

A variety of scenic, natural, historic, recreational, archeological and cultural experiences can be found on Idaho’s 31 scenic byways. View the video to get a taste of the adventures that await you, and start planning your next road trip.

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Road Trip Tips

Turn-by-Turn Directions: Begin at Albion and proceed south to Connor Creek Junction along Idaho 77. Continuing south through Elba and Almo, arrive at the City of Rocks National Reserve. From the Reserve, the byway heads north and follows Birch Creek to the City of Oakley where it joins Idaho 27.

Road Conditions: Almo to Oakley is a gravel road until it joins Idaho 27.

Full services in: Burley and Albion

Partial services in: Oakley and Almo

Full services: When gas, food and lodging are available
Partial services: When gas and a few other facilities are available