
City Of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho
2005 By Aaron Johnson, Joel Anderson
About the Art
On his way to California in 1849, emigrant James F. Wilkens described the dramatic geological area he encountered as “City of Rocks.” The name remains, as well as hundreds of pioneer inscriptions, wagon ruts, and journal accounts, testifying to the nearly quarter-million people who traveled through here between 1843 and 1882. Visitors today will see nearly the same scene — granite spires and monoliths reaching 60 stories tall. Geologists estimate the oldest granite to exceed 2.5 billion years. Established in 1988 as a national reserve, City of Rocks encompasses 14,407 acres of land (about one quarter is privately owned) and is renowned for its scenic, geologic, and historic significance. The City of Rocks area was an important landmark on the California Trail. City of Rocks is one of the finest granite-face climbing sites anywhere. Climbers find the younger granite of the Almo Pluton to be some of the best rock they’ve ever ascended. About 700 routes have been developed to date. City of Rocks also has ample access to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Anderson Design Group poster artists hand-rendered this original illustration in the fashion of vintage poster art and classic travel art from the 20th Century. This retro design and original National Park art is available as a poster, print, canvas, mini canvas, metal sign, notecard, or postcard.
Enjoy our art outdoors by ordering your favorite designs on metal signs. Our all-weather, rust-resistant signs are ideal for any porch, barn, fence, warehouse, garage, or bar. Featuring gorgeous color printing, they offer a more casual look than canvases or framed prints.



