Idaho · National Reserve trail

City of Rocks Loop - 6.8 miles

in Idaho

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 loop can be accessed from several trailheads along the main road.

The Emery Creek Picnic area is a great starting point, the North Fork Circle Creek trailhead is located across the road from the parking area. About 1 mile in check out the spectacular view from the overlook (near the gate). Shortly after beginning the descent down toward North Creek you will come across North Fork Spring.

As you make your way down toward the basin, watch for the trail to cut back right (west) along the base of the impressive Stripe Rock formation. Continue past Lost Arrow Spire on the Bumblie Trail, then join South Fork Circle Creek Trail heading back up to complete the loop. North Fork Circle Creek and South Fork Circle Creek are abbreviated on many trail signs as N.F.C.C and S.F.C.C.

States: Idaho
Trail type: National Reserve trail
Centroid nearest city: Salt Lake City, UT · 132 mi · ~3.8 hr drive
Centroid coords: 42.0890°, -113.7284°

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/city-of-rocks-loop.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 City of Rocks Loop - 6.8 miles and have current notes (water sources, trail closures, permit changes), tell us at /contact — we update pages as we learn.

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Idaho