Castle Rocks State Park

If your canine best friend loves to hike and climb, be sure not to miss Castle Rocks State Park! Located 45 miles south of Burley, this 1,700-acre site features miles of trails and several granite rocks to explore, making it a puptastic destination for two- and four-legged outdoor enthusiasts alike. It's not as famous as the neighboring City of Rocks National Reserve, but that means it's less crowded and pawfect for getting away from it all. So leash up your pup and lace up your hiking boots—a pawsome adventure awaits!

Unbeknownst to many, Castle Rocks boasts some of the best hikes in southern Idaho. You and Fido can access some of the park's trails from the Stines Creek Picnic Area, including the Backyard Boulders Trail. Suitable for families with children and not-so-athletic puppers, this 2-mile path goes around a huge granite rock known as Castle Rock and passes a few points of interest. The trail will lead you and your pooch to the Shock and Awe Shelter, a prehistoric human shelter where ancient artifacts were discovered; the Three-Pool Boulders, boulders with giant panholes that hold water; and the Castle Rocks Geological Area Overlook, where you and Fido can look out over the Stines Creek riparian area and view the pawmazing spires and monoliths of the Almo Pluton. Finally, you'll be taken to the prehistoric pictographs of the geographic area known as Tiny Town. Other family-friendly hikes in the park include the routes that lead to the Almo Creek Wetland and Eagle Rock Grove. If you and your pooch are feeling adventurous, hit the 5-mile Castle Rock Trail. 

Planning to spend the night in the park? Make yourselves at home in the Smoky Mountain Campground, which contains serviced sites nestled among the largest pinyon pine forest in the state. There is also one dog-friendly cabin with a fully equipped kitchen, fireplace, and outdoor deck for pampered pooches. Whether you stay for an hour or a weekend, always keep your pup on a leash and clean up after them. 

No doubt about it, your furry buddy will have a tail-wagging good time exploring Castle Rocks State Park!