Entry No. 35 — the Boise file — filed under: outdoor-weird

Little City of Rocks

This BLM wilderness study area is packed with hoodoos, mushroom caps, spires and natural arches eroded out of pale rhyolite laid down by ancient Yellowstone-hotspot eruptions millions of years ago. A main trail threads into the heart of the formations, with side paths leading to weirder shapes you can scramble around on. Tucked among the rocks are petroglyphs carved by Native Americans thousands of years ago.

The move: Take the short dirt road off Highway 46 and spend an afternoon wandering the maze of arches and hoodoos hunting for the ancient rock art.

📍 Before you go About 12.5 miles north of Gooding on Highway 46, then a short dirt road; primitive camping allowed; bring water and shade, the trail takes a couple hours to explore.

• 📍 Gooding
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Idaho Highway 46, Gooding, ID 83330

Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-24