Summer sunrise overlooking Graham Canyon/NPS, Savana Jones

The City of Rocks National Reserve in southern Idaho has grown by 105 acres thanks to an acquisition made by the National Park Service.

The land involved is known as the Graham Creek Canyon property and is located along the northeastern boundary of the reserve. The property consists of approximately 100 acres in Graham Canyon that features impressive granite outcrops such as Train Rock, beautiful aspen groves, portions of Graham Creek, and overwintering locations for moose, a Park Service release said. The purchase also includes about 5 acres of access easement, that will allow for the construction of a public access road to the property.

In addition to the NPS purchase, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is purchasing approximately 260 acres adjacent to the Park Service acquisition. The Conservation Fund, a national nonprofit, secured and is currently holding the property that IDPR will purchase. The entire partnership purchase will result in a total of 365 acres of new public recreational access in Graham Canyon.

“This purchase has been an excellent example of federal and state agencies, The Conservation Fund, and private landowners coming together to preserve an area of unique beauty and natural and cultural resources,” said Tara McClure-Cannon, acting Superintendent of the national reserve. “This purchase also establishes new recreational access for the public in southern Idaho. The public can start enjoying the property immediately, however, the new access road isn’t slated to be built until summer 2023. Those looking to experience the new property will be able to hike in along the proposed access easement from the county road on the east side or hike in from Indian Grove.”

City of Rocks National Reserve was created in November 1988 under the Arizona-Idaho Conservation Act of 1988. With this recent acquisition, the reserve now consists of approximately 10,127 acres of federal lands, 3,745 acres of private lands, and 640 acres of state park land for a total of 14,512 acres. Visitors are encouraged to check-in with the visitor center where they can obtain a map of the property if they are planning to visit the Graham Creek Canyon area this winter. If conditions are right, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing may be options in coming months.