Forming a 49-mile necklace around the Albion Mountain Range, the City of
Rocks Back Country Byway traces a rural landscape steeped in history and geological significance.
Beginning in Albion on Idaho 77, the byway traverses the outskirts of the Pomerelle Ski Area and
Lake Cleveland Recreation Area as it heads south.
At the base of the byway’s necklace lies its jewel, the City of Rocks National Reserve, where more
than 700 challenging climbs rival Yosemite National Park and make it a favorite spot among technical
rock climbers worldwide. These granite outcroppings — some more than 2.5 billion years old — soar above
alpine-like meadows and juniper tree stands, offering a variety of recreational opportunities; a visitor
center traces the formation of the Reserve and its geological history.
Heading north, the last leg of the byway ends in historic Oakley; the entire town, in fact, is on the
National Register of Historic Places and features the state’s largest concentration of old stone and
wood-framed buildings.