City of Rocks '08

On our way home from Mt. Hood, we stopped at City of Rocks, Idaho, to do some climbing. The geology of City of Rocks is fascinating: there are large granite monoliths sprinkled over an area of several square miles. Several rocks at City of Rocks are some of the oldest exposed rock on the continent - 2.5 billion years! That includes Steinfell's Dome, in these photos. I have another page online with more photos.
A portion of the "California Trail" passed through City of Rocks. In 1862, more than 52,000 people reportedly passed through City of Rocks on their way westward!


We had a terrific time climbing here on the coarse, grippy granite. Even if you are not a climber, City of Rocks is well worth a visit for its historical and geological interest.