Idaho · National Reserve trail

Creekside Towers Trail - 1.2 miles

in Idaho

Creekside Towers is an out-and-back 1.2-mile trail. The trail’s gentle grade of 122 feet relative elevation is suitable for families with children or anyone looking for an easier hike in the Reserve. Interesting geologic sculptures line the trail.

In spring and early summer enjoy the running creek and small cascading waterfall. Outstanding scenery, granite pinnacles, and a diversity of plants and animals await. Adjoining trails can make for a longer and more adventurous loop.

Circle around Parking Lot Rock to South Fork Circle Creek Trail then Stairways to make a 1.6-mile loop. Get more out of the Creekside towers hike with the 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 · 131 mi · ~3.8 hr drive
Centroid coords: 42.0762°, -113.7217°

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/creekside-towers-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 Creekside Towers Trail - 1.2 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