Cold Springs Canyon Loop

City of Rocks National Reserve, the California Trail

~1h 3m drive

Although there may have been some visitation to the area by Europeans and Americans during the fur trade and exploration-era, the establishment of the California Trail through the City of Rocks is what brought the first significant number of European-Americans to what is now t…

Hartley Canyon

~6 min drive

Moderate 10-mile canyon hike with steady elevation gain and scenic views.

Juniper

~11 min drive

Easy 5.9-mile desert walk through juniper woodlands with minimal elevation gain.

Howell Canyon Trail

~53 min drive

Easy 2.3-mile canyon walk with minimal elevation gain.

Backyard Boulders Trailhead

~1h 4m drive

Trailhead and Stines Creek Picnic Area Although the loop trail can be walked in either direction, the numbering system and trail features are described clock-wise. From the kiosk, travel left (south) for 200 yards, then follow the trail right or west, below the popular climbs…

Pine Creek Reservoir

~8 min drive

Gentle 6.68-mile hike to a scenic alpine reservoir with minimal elevation gain.

Thompson Flat

~54 min drive

Moderate 3.66-mile foothill hike with 757 ft elevation gain near Thompson Flat.

Lake Cleveland

~56 min drive

Easy 2.2-mile lakeside walk with minimal elevation gain.

Backyard Boulders Return Route

~1h 4m drive

The trail returns alongside Stines Creek, Kid Rock and the Stines Creek Picnic Area. For other family friendly hikes, rangers suggest the trails to the Almo Creek Wetland and Eagle Rock Grove. For the adventurous, take the five-mile, three-hour Castle Rock Trail.

Lake Fork Loop

~11 min drive

Scenic 21.93-mile loop with 1,492 ft gain through Idaho backcountry.