Idaho · National Reserve trail

Castle Rocks - Backyard Boulders Trail - 1.5 miles

in Idaho

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. In spring hikers may encounter many species of wildflowers and experience the arrival of migratory birds.

In autumn, hikers are treated to the colorful foliage of aspen, chokecherry, and willow. Get more out of your hike with the Backyard Boulders guide in the Self-Guided Tours section of the City of Rocks NPS Mobile App or pick up a trail guide at our Visitor Center.

States: Idaho
Trail type: National Reserve trail
Centroid nearest city: Salt Lake City, UT · 132 mi · ~3.8 hr drive
Centroid coords: 42.1252°, -113.6687°

About City Of Rocks National Reserve

National Reserve

This trail is inside City Of Rocks National Reserve, a national reserve managed by the U.S. National Park Service. Conditions, road status, trail closures, and reservation requirements are published on the park's NPS page — check it before driving in, especially in winter or during major weather events.

Official NPS trail page: https://www.nps.gov/places/backyard-boulders-trail.htm

Park homepage: https://www.nps.gov/ciro/index.htm

Plan your hike

Practical notes

Maps + permits: long-distance trails like this often require permits for through-hiking, backcountry camping, or specific sections (especially in National Parks). Check with the maintaining organisation listed above and the relevant land manager before booking travel.

Water + supplies: water sources vary seasonally on most U.S. trails. Carry a filter and consult current trail-condition reports — through-hiker journals (PCT-L, AT Reddit, etc.) and the maintaining organisation publish regular updates.

When to go: hiking seasons vary widely with elevation, latitude, and snowpack. Through-hikers traditionally start the AT in March-April (Springer northbound) and the PCT in late April (Campo northbound). High-elevation western trails (CDT, JMT, Wonderland) generally aren't passable until July.

If you've hiked Castle Rocks - Backyard Boulders Trail - 1.5 miles and have current notes (water sources, trail closures, permit changes), tell us at /contact — we update pages as we learn.