All Locations > Idaho > S Idaho > Castle Rocks

West Sector / The Sanctuary Climbing

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GPS:	42.1354, -113.67 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	2,138 total · 14/month
Shared By:	GRK on Dec 18, 2012
Admins:	GRK, Mike Engle, Eric Bluemn Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: (1) BLM Managed Lands at Castle Rocks PERMANENTLY CLOSED TO CLIMBING!! Castle Rocks State Park and US Forest Sevice lands are OPEN TO CLIMBING. US Forest Service Lands closed to new route developement. (2) Highlining temporary ban in place at CIRO/CRSP Details

(1) The BLM has amended the Cassia Resource Management Plan (RMP) to permanently close the 400 acres of land it manages in the Castle Rocks Interagency Recreation Area to staging, traditional rock climbing, sport climbing and bouldering, as well as overnight camping and development of new trails. Here is a link to a map that shows the BLM land in yellow. parksandrecreation.idaho.go…

The adjacent Castle Rocks State Park and the National Forest Service land to the north remains OPEN TO CLIMBING,
as does the nearby City of Rocks National Reserve.

(2) HIGHLINING IS PROHIBITED
By the authority of the park manager, Highlining at City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park is temporarily prohibited as of August 28, 2019.

The park(s) is reviewing highlining activities. Here are Google Drive links to the closure and the updated Code of Regulations for CIRO. drive.google.com/open?id=1y… and drive.google.com/open?id=1Y…

Arrest and/or hefty fines are likely if caught rock climbing with ropes and gear in the BLM land.

Please respect this closure to ensure access to the open climbing at Castle Rocks is not threatened.

The "Final Supplementary Rules for the Castle Rocks Land Use Plan Amendment Area, Idaho" is located in the Federal Registry. This document gives the details on the closure but doesn't provide a map. You can check it out here: federalregister.gov/documen…

Description

The western region of Castle Rocks is the furthest most area in the park as well as the most obscure. The Sanctuary is just that, a sacred, quiet, solemn climbing area with lots of rock to explore. If you're into a hike and open to adventure, The Sanctuary is your place. A newer, clear trail helps gain access to this remote area and leads into the heart of the climbing. This is a cool area with plenty of moderates, expect a lot of mixed routes and cracks. Explore The Sanctuary with an open sense of adventure and a good attitude. A 60 meter rope will suffice; bring slings, draws, and a rack. Plan to build some anchors and prepare to walk-off some routes.

Getting There

From Castle Rocks folow the main trail north of the parking lot towards Comp Rock, Aim left looking for the Johnson Creek sign and trail. Continue along the trail for about 30 minutes or a half-mile until you reach aspen groves and a cluster of small crags. See individual crags for more directions.