Superintendent's Compendium

National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior

City of Rocks National Reserve
PO Box 169
Almo, ID 83312

Phone: [phone]

Superintendent’s Compendium

Of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority.

Approved:
Wallace Keck, Superintendent
August 2, 2023
(signature on file)

In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (“36 CFR”), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 54 United States Code, Section 100751, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of City of Rocks National Reserve. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.

Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent’s use of discretionary authority, as required by Section 1.5(c), appear in this document identified by italicized print.

36 CFR §1.5 – VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USES OR ACTIVITIES

(a)(1) The following visiting hours, public use limits, and closures are established:

Visiting Hours:

• The Reserve is open year-round, 24 hours a day.

• The Reserve visitor center is open Wednesday through Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from November to April. From April through October, the Reserve visitor center is open 7 days a week. Offices are closed on federal holidays November through April.

Visitation patterns are such that hours are extended in the summer season to cater to increased visitor usage.

Public Use Limits -- Pursuant to §1.5(d) to implement a public use limit, the Superintendent may establish a permit, registration, or reservations system:

• In order to protect resources at popular areas, camping in the designated backcountry is regulated and requires a permit. It can be obtained at the Almo Visitor Center at no charge.

Requiring a no-fee permit imposes a minimal burden on the visiting public, and it facilitates park management’s ability to monitor resource use, and, if necessary, adjust conditions to protect park resources in perpetuity.

Closures:

• Some roads may be closed seasonally and vehicle access restricted due to heavy snow.

Some roads are not maintained in the off season, and not closing them would present an unnecessary risk to the visiting public and park staff.

• During Raptor nesting periods, rocks and the adjacent area where nests are located may be closed to climbing.

Human activities adjacent to nesting raptors have been shown to cause birds to abandon their nests. Temporary closures impose a minimal burden on the visiting public and promote the long-term sustainability of nesting raptors within the National Reserve.

• Other closures for resource protection may be needed for specific areas within the reserve.

Current Closures:
6/2023 - Site 15 will be closed to camping in the late 2023 through 2024 season.

• Launching, landing or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of City of Rocks National Reserve is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

- Definition: The term "unmanned aircraft” means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quad-copters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.

Unmanned aircraft affects park resources, staff, and visitors in ways that the National Park Service has yet to identify and analyze. It is the National Park Service policy to not allow a new park use until a full determination has been made that it will not result in unacceptable impacts on park resources and values.

(a)(2) The following areas are designated for a specific use or activity and/or the following conditions or restrictions are imposed on a specific use or activity:

Areas Designated for a Specific Use or Activity:

Camping Areas:

• Please refer to §2.10 of this compendium for specific camping area designations. Camping is restricted to developed and designated campsites or in the designated backcountry.

Technical Rock Climbing:

• Technical Rock Climbing (which involves gear, anchors, ropes or hardware) is permitted throughout the Reserve with the following exceptions: research natural area, Twin Sisters, rocks with emigrant signatures, and rocks of the California Trail Zone of the General Management Plan (including Camp Rock, Chicken Rock, Monkey-face Rock, Keiser’s Helmet, Treasure Rock, Devil’s Bedstead, and Register Rock, among others).
• New climbing routes in permitted areas involving fixed anchors or use of a rock drill require a permit from the Superintendent.

Specific areas are closed to rock climbing to protect natural and cultural resources, and special features that hold cultural or research significance within the Reserve.

Highlining:

• Highlining (which is an extreme variation of slacklining, where athletes traverse a narrow, springy band of rope suspended high above the ground) is permitted throughout the Reserve with the following exceptions: across roads and trails, campgrounds and developed areas (transition management zone), where observed from five or more of the 17 overlooks and viewsheds designated in the general management plan, research natural area, Twin Sisters, rocks with emigrant signatures, and rocks of the California Trail Zone of the general management plan (including Camp Rock, Chicken Rock, Monkey-face Rock, Keiser’s Helmet, Treasure Rock, Devil’s Bedstead, and Register Rock, among others).

• New highlining routes in permitted areas involving fixed anchors or use of drones require a permit from the Superintendent.

Specific areas are closed to highlining to protect natural and cultural resources, and special features that hold cultural or research significance within the Reserve, and to mitigate hazards to visitors not participating in the activity.

Conditions and Restrictions on Specific Uses or Activities:

Passenger Carrying Busses:

• Engines must be shut down when not underway.

The idling of bus engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the park.

36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT

Activities requiring a permit are listed above under Public Use Limits and throughout this document under the specific 36 CFR Section that authorizes or requires the issuance of a permit.

• §1.5 Closures and public use limits
  Access to closed areas and backcountry camping

• §2.4 Weapons, Traps and Nets
  Carry or possess a weapon, trap, or net

• §2.5 Research Specimens
  Specimen collection (Take plant, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals)

• §2.10 Camping and Food Storage
  Camping in the designated backcountry (Backcountry camping permits may be obtained from the City of Rocks Headquarters located in Almo, ID at no charge).

• §2.12 Audio Disturbances
  (a)(2) Operating a chain saw in developed areas
  (a)(3) Operation of any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas
  (a)(4) Operation of a public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51

• §2.17 Aircraft and air delivery
  (a)(3) Delivering or retrieving a person or object by parachute, helicopter, or other airborne means is prohibited, except in emergencies involving public safety or serious property loss or pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.
  (c)(1) The removal of a downed aircraft, components, or parts thereof is subject to procedures established by the Superintendent.

• §2.37 Noncommercial Soliciting
  Soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods or services (Pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit issued under §2.50, §2.51 or §2.52)

• §2.38 Explosives
  (a) Use, possess, store, transport explosives, blasting agents
  (b) Use or possess fireworks

• §2.50 Special Events
  Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events

• §2.51 Demonstrations
  (b) Demonstrations of more than 25 people are allowed within park areas designated as available under paragraph (c)(2) when the superintendent has issued a permit for the activity.

• §2.52 Sale or distribution of printed matter
  (b) The sale or distribution of printed matter by more than 25 persons is allowed within park areas designated as available under §2.51(c)(2) (see above) when the superintendent has issued a permit.

• §2.60 Livestock use and agriculture
  Livestock grazing is permitted in designated allotments only by authorized permittees according to the Reserve’s grazing management plan. Incidental grazing or livestock use that occurs during trailing of cattle through the Reserve, or by horses, mules, etc. being ridden along trails is allowed without a permit.

• §2.61 Residing on Federal lands
  (a) Residing in park areas, other than on privately owned lands, is prohibited except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit lease or contract.

• §2.62 Memorialization
  (a) The installation of a monument, memorial, tablet, structure, or other commemorative installation in a park area without the authorization of the Director is prohibited.
  (b) The scattering of human ashes from cremation

• §4.11(a) Exceeding of established vehicle load, weight and size limits

• §5.1 Advertisements

• §5.3 Business Operations
  Engaging in or soliciting any business (requires a permit, contract or other written agreement with the United States, or must be pursuant to special regulations).

• §5.5 Commercial Photography/Filming
  (a) Commercial filming of motion pictures or television involving the use of professional casts, settings or crews, other than bona fide newsreel or news television(b) Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising.

• §5.6 Commercial Vehicles
  (c) Use of commercial vehicles on park area roads (The superintendent shall issue a permit to access private lands within or adjacent to the park when access is otherwise not available)

• §5.7 Construction of buildings or other facilities

• Part 51 Concession Contracts – State of Idaho Permit

• Part 71 Recreation Fees – State of Idaho Parks and Recreation Fees

36 CFR §2.1 – PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

(a)(4) Using or possessing wood gathered from within the park area is prohibited, except that dead wood on the ground may be collected for use as fuel for campfires within the park in the following areas:

• Indian Grove backcountry area.

Gathering dead wood for campfires in the backcountry does not significantly affect natural resources due to the limited level of activity.

Under, §2.1(a) collecting natural materials from the park is generally prohibited. However, pursuant to §2.1(c), the following fruits, nuts, berries or unoccupied seashells may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption, in accordance with the noted size, quantity, collection sites and/or possession and consumption restrictions:

• Pine Nuts
• Elderberries
• Choke cherries

Ethnic groups historically collected these items prior to the reserve status; therefore it is permitted to collect pine nuts, elderberries, and chokecherries for personal use only. Personal use does not include commercial collecting and resale, or for another’s use. Quantity is defined by what one person can reasonably consume during the season that the nuts and berries are available.

36 CFR §2.4 – WEAPONS, TRAPS AND NETS

(a)(1-2) weapons, traps, or nets may be carried, possessed or used at the following designated times and locations where the taking of wildlife is authorized by law in accordance with §2.2:

During legal hunting season with a valid state hunting license and permit (tag) for the area (Unit 55).

Hunting is allowed by statute in some areas of the Reserve. Shooting or target practice is not permitted in the Reserve.

36 CFR §2.10 – CAMPING AND FOOD STORAGE

(a) The sites and areas listed below have been designated for camping activities as noted. A permit system has been established for certain campgrounds or camping activities, and conditions for camping and camping activities are in effect as noted:

Camping is permitted only at designated (numbered or lettered) sites after payment of appropriate fees.

Each of the numbered and designated campsites is limited to eight people per site with no more than two vehicles at a campsite.

Three group camping areas (Bread Loaves, Twin Sisters, and Juniper) are limited from 25 people in each area.

Camping in backcountry is by permit only. Backcountry camping permits may be obtained from the City of Rocks Headquarters located in Almo, ID at no charge.

The National Reserve is cooperatively managed with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) by Public Law 100-696. The campgrounds contain both state and federal park lands. To ease the regulatory burden on the public, both partner agencies agreed that IDPR shall manage all camping on site consistent with the Park and Recreation rules established by the State of Idaho. Rules can be found at https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/26/260120.pdf

Camping outside of designated camping areas and without a permit in the backcountry area poses a threat to natural and cultural resources within the Reserve.

36 CFR 2.13 – FIRES

(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:

Designated Areas: Campfires are allowed only in the numbered or lettered campsites that have metal fire rings located in them.
Receptacles Allowed: Metal fire rings permanently located at campsite.

(c) High fire danger closures will be in effect as noted:

When posted at the visitor center and on bulletin boards.

City of Rocks National Reserve is susceptible to wildland fires, and the management of fire within the Reserve is necessary to protect the public and the cultural and natural resources of the site.

36 CFR §2.15 – PETS

(a) Pets may be kept by park visitors (campers, hikers, climbers, day users, etc.) under the following conditions:

Pursuant to the reserve’s pet policy that states that pets must be on leashes not to exceed 6 feet, and where pets are not left unattended.

Unrestrained pets pose a threat to the enjoyment of the Reserve by other visitors as well as a possible threat to the public and resources of the Reserve.

36 CFR §2.16 – HORSES AND PACK ANIMALS

(a) The following animals are designated as pack animals:

Horses, burrows, mules, or llamas

(b) The use of horses or pack animals is permitted on the following trails, routes or areas:

North Fork Circle Creek Trail
California Trail
Tea Kettle Trail
Boxtop Trail

(g) Horses and pack animals are not permitted in any campsites other than Juniper Group Camp.

Horses produce odor, noise and attract flies that interfere with the experience of other campers.

36 CFR §2.17 – AIRCRAFT AND AIR DELIVERY

(c)(1) The removal of a downed aircraft, components, or parts thereof is allowed, subject to written authorizations from the superintendent, under the following terms and conditions:

In an established timeframe at specific times by designated routes of access.

To preserve the integrity of cultural and natural resources, the Superintendent may establish procedures for the removal of an aircraft; establish a timeframe for the removal; determine times and means of access to the site and specify the manner or method of removal.

36 CFR §2.19 – WINTER ACTIVITIES

(a) The following park roads and/or parking areas open to motor vehicle traffic may be used for skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, innertubing, tobogganing, and similar winter activities under the conditions noted:

• Circle Creek Overlook Road
• Campground loop roads
• Parking Lot Rock Road

When roads have enough snow cover as to prohibit vehicle passage. NOTE: City of Rocks Road and Twin Sisters Road are not under the jurisdiction of the NPS or IDPR.

Winter activities pose a minimal threat to natural and cultural resources and provide for visitor enjoyment of the Reserve throughout the year.

36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING

(a) The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking:

Public restrooms
Visitor Center
Administrative buildings

Smoking is not permitted in public facilities due to the health considerations of all visitors.

36 CFR §2.22 – PROPERTY

(a)(2) Leaving property unattended for longer than 24 hours is prohibited, except in the following locations or under the following conditions:

• Emery Pass Picnic Area and Indian Grove Overlook parking area where unattended vehicles are associated with permitholders for backcountry camping.

36 CFR §2.60 – LIVESTOCK USE AND AGRICULTURE

(a) Absent a permit, the running-at-large, herding, driving across, allowing on, pasturing or grazing of livestock of any kind in a park area for agricultural purposes is prohibited.

Additionally, a permit can only be issued in the following circumstances:

(a)(1) As specifically authorized by Federal statutory law; or
(a)(2) As required under a reservation of use of rights arising from acquisition of a tract of land; or
(a)(3) As designated, when conducted as a necessary and integral part of a recreational activity or required in order to maintain a historic scene.

• Trailing of livestock is permitted along county roads within the Reserve. The incidental trailing of cattle along the California Trail in route to other permitted public lands or to local private lands is permitted.

Livestock are permitted within the Reserve by Federal statute.

36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION

(a) The installation of a monument, memorial, tablet, structure, or other commemorative installation in a park area without the authorization of the Director is prohibited.
(b) The scattering of human ashes from cremation

The scattering of human ashes from cremation, without a permit, is allowed under the following terms and conditions:

• The remains to be scattered must have been cremated and pulverized.
• The scattering of remains by persons on the ground is to be performed at least 100 yards from any trail, road, developed facility, or body of water.
• The scattering of remains from the air is to be performed at a minimum altitude of 2,000 feet above the ground.
• No scattering of remains from the air is to be performed over developed areas, facilities, or bodies of water.

Regulating the installation of monuments and the discharge of human ashes is necessary to protect the nature and values of the Reserve.

36 CFR §4.10 – TRAVEL ON PARK ROADS AND ROUTES

(a) Park roads, open for travel by motor vehicle are those indicated in the following publication:

• City of Rocks National Reserve Unigrid Brochure

Roads not illustrated in the brochure are not designed or intended for use by private motor vehicles.

36 CFR §4.21 – SPEED LIMITS

(a), (b) The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:

• 15 mph on Circle Creek Overlook, campgrounds, Logger Springs Road
• Speed limits for City of Rocks Road and Twin Sisters Roads through the Reserve are set by Cassia County and are not within the regulatory jurisdiction of the National Park Service.

Established speed limits are necessary for visitor safety and resource protection.

36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES

(a) The use of a bicycle is prohibited except on park roads, in parking areas, and on routes designated for bicycle use.

The following additional routes, in developed areas or special use zones, have been designated for bicycle use.

Stripe Rock Loop
Tea Kettle Trail
Trails to campsites 59-60
Smoky Mountain Connector
California Trail (Smoky Mountain Trail Head to Elephant Rock)
California Trail Retracement
Skyline Connector
Indian Grove via Bread Loaves (old Forest Service Road)
North Fork Circle Creek Trail (from the intersection of the Indian Grove Trail to the intersection of the Stripe Rock Loop)
All other trails not listed above are closed to bicycle use.

The use of non-designated trails by bicycles would unnecessarily impact park resources and the enjoyment of the Reserve by other visitors.

E-BIKES:

The term "e-bike" means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.).

E-bikes are allowed in City of Rocks National Reserve where traditional bicycles are allowed.

E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited.