Location: City of Rocks National Reserve, ID
Active: 1-2 mile daily hikes
Front country: Tent or car camping in a designated campground
Help create a defensible space against wildfires & construct fencing to deter the vandalism of the federally protected Register Rock & Camp Rock (containing signatures from emigrants traveling nearly 200 years ago).
Service Project Details
The City of Rocks National Reserve was founded to protect the resources of the California Trail found within the reserve’s borders. These critical resources to the founding of the reserve are being negatively impacted by a few different factors. There have been 3 instances of graffiti vandalism in 2024 on federally protected Register Rock and Camp Rock. Graffiti is extremely difficult to remove from granite and can be very costly to the reserve if it is located near historic signatures. These rock formations have many signatures from emigrants traveling on the trail nearly 200 years ago. Wildfire also threatens these critical cultural resources.
This project will address both threats. A pole (jack fence) will be constructed to protect Camp Rock from those wanting to touch or damage the signatures and discourage vandalism. Additionally, the project consists of removing vegetation from around the base of the rocks (5 total formations) through the California Trail corridor so that if a wildfire did move through the area the flames wouldn’t reach or damage the axel grease signatures. Without a Wilderness Volunteers crew this project might not get done in the next couple of years (based on funding and personnel) and these critical resources will continue to be negatively impacted and, in the case of wildfire, the damage may be irreversible.
Project Leaders: Carrie Henderson and Linda Zarzana
Check out the photo gallery from previous City of Rocks National Reserve projects.
Agency Website
Planned Itinerary
Sunday, April 20th. The Volunteer group meets in the afternoon at a time/place TBD. The group will go through check-in, introductions, an orientation, and will help set up camp and prepare for the work week ahead.
Monday, April 21st. Workday.
Tuesday, April 22nd. Workday.
Wednesday, April 23rd. Day off.
Thursday, April 24th. Workday.
Friday, April 25th. Workday.
Saturday, April 26th. Break down camp, goodbyes, and depart.
Nearest Cities
Almo, ID
Oakley, ID
Nearest Airports
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – ~168 miles
Magic Valley Regional Airport (TWF) – ~64 miles
Boise International Airport (BOI) – ~205 miles
Free Time Details
There are over 25 miles of trails in the reserve and Castle Rocks State Park, located in Almo. Individuals can hike, mountain bike, go to the local hot springs, rock climb, and go fishing. There are plenty of other recreating activities located in neighboring communities within 30 miles of Almo for those looking to branch out.
Accommodations
Front country. Tent or car camping in a designated campground
Difficulty
Active: 1-2 mile daily hikes
Task Details
Swinging, digging, shoveling, hauling, pushing, leveraging, bending over, lopping, etc.
Equipment List
View Equipment List