City of Rocks National Reserve, Cassia County, ID

Traveled: A popular resting place on the California Trail, visited by tens of thousands of pioneers on their way to California
Origin of Name: The monolithic granite formations in this isolated area, jutting from the countryside somewhat resemble a city made of stone; many of the rocks are named individually for their suggestive shapes
Known for: A 25-square-mile geographic cluster of granite rocks that rise in the area; well-known landmark on the California Trail for settlers on their journey to California; early travelers smeared their names in wagon grease on rocks in the area; ruts from the countless wagons that traveled through are still visible; though it was never a permanent settlement, its unique nature attracts thousands of visitors each year; the National Park System manages the area through the City of Rocks National Preserve, a unique designation allowing grazing on public and private property within the park boundaries; nearby Idaho’s Castle Rocks State Park is jointly maintained with City of Rocks National PreserveLocation: 9.2 east of Burley on Hwy 81 E, then 32 miles south on Hwy 77, Cassia’s Historic Byway; alternate route, 39 miles south on Hwy 27 to Oakley, then southeast on Birch Creek Rd. E (mostly gravel after leaving Oakley)