MY BUCKET LIST
I haven’t visited this location yet. It’s on my bucket list, and I wanted to share a little information in case you get a chance to explore it before I do.
Creekside Towers Trail winds among granite formations at City of Rocks National Reserve in south-central Idaho. The linked AllTrails loop explores the area around the towers, with rocky sections, changing views, and connections to other trails in the reserve.
Creekside Towers at City of Rocks National Reserve. Photo: National Park Service. Photo source · Public domain, U.S. Government work. No copyright claimed in the original U.S. Government work. Thumbnails may be cropped to fit.
Reference photo. It does not show current snow or trail conditions.
Why it’s on my list
Those tall granite formations are what really caught my attention here. I haven’t been to City of Rocks yet, and this looks like a great way to get a closer look at some of the shapes and textures that make the area so interesting.
It’s a short loop, but it still has some climbing and rocky footing. I think it would be a really fun place to slow down and explore, especially with all those different formations around the trail. It’s definitely one I’d like to see for myself.
Have you been here? If you make it out before I do, I’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment at the bottom of the page and let me know what you thought.
At a glance
- Location: City of Rocks National Reserve, near Almo
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Hike Length: Approx. 1.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: Approx. 416 ft.
- Hike Type: Loop
View the trail and photos on AllTrails
Getting there: Creekside Towers Trail begins at the Bath Rock parking area inside City of Rocks National Reserve. Use the linked AllTrails loop to follow this particular outing, as several trails connect through the area. The park also describes a shorter 1.2-mile out-and-back on Creekside Towers Trail; those measurements are for a different route from the loop linked here.
If the weather holds, you may still be able to make it out before winter settles in. I’d definitely check current road and trail conditions first, though. Snow and drifting can make roads difficult or impassable, and the park recommends approaching through Almo rather than over the winter-sensitive route from Oakley. A short trail doesn’t always mean an easy winter outing. If conditions have already changed, this is a good one to save for another season.
Details checked November 8, 2026. Trail measurements follow the linked AllTrails route. Sources: AllTrails, National Park Service: Creekside Towers, Creekside Towers trail information, City of Rocks conditions, Idaho State Parks updates. Conditions and access can change.