Massacre Rocks State Park

Upper Snake Idaho

•Varies

Massacre Rocks State Park is one of the Historical Areas operated by the State of Idaho to remind visitors of the march of history through the state. Ten miles west of American Falls on I-86, take exit 28 and follow the signs. The park has stories to tell which date back to times best described in geologic terms. A study of history indicates the park’s ominous name isn’t supported by actual events. Devils Gate Pass gets undeserved credit as the scene of a wagon train ambush by natives. It’s easy to see why the travelers feared an ambush at the narrow passage that is all that’s left of an extinct volcano. But on August 9 and 10, 1862 it was an area east of Devils Gate, and even east of the park, which saw a series of skirmishes involving four wagon trains. When it was over 10 pioneers and an unknown number of natives were dead and the area acquired it’s undeserved name. Actually settlers and the natives made use of the area for generations because the Snake River is accessible and relatively gentle in this part of its run, and the violent episodes were the exception, not the rule. Cabin Rental at at Massacre Rocks State Park Lodging at the park offers Cabins and a 50 unit campground with water and electrical hookups for RV’s, and a large overflow parking area for the more self sufficient. You’ll also find rest rooms with hot showers, a picnic area, a boat launch, and a visitor center which provides advice and maps. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day the park staff offers campfire programs scheduled to allow you to enjoy the park’s spectacular sunsets. Visitor’s Center at Massacre Rocks State Park Massacre Rocks State Park Visitor’s Center is one of the historic areas operated by the State of Idaho to remind visitors of the march of history through the state. The park has stories to tell which date back to times best described in geologic terms. View our ArcGis Interactive Trail Map. Bird Watching at Massacre Rocks State Park If high desert flora and fauna attract you, you’ll love Massacre Rocks State Park. The park contains about 300 species of plants, and bird watchers have reported over 200 species of birds. If you are looking for the birds not usually seen back home keep an eye out for whistling swans, bald eagles, pelicans and blue herons, all of which are commonly seen. View the Idaho Birding Trail Interactive Map View the Idaho Birding Trail PDF [PDF] [PDF] View our Birdwatching Guide to Southeast Idaho Brochure [PDF, 1.16 MB] [PDF, 1.16 MB] Photo courtesy of Linda 1 day at a time on Flickr Melon Gravel is scattered through the Park. These are remnants of the fury of nature. Until 14,500 years ago, a blink of the geologic eye, most of Utah and parts of Nevada were under the waters of Lake Bonneville. When the natural dam could no longer contain the waters the torrent emptied almost the entire lake in a matter of months. At one point the flow of water was four times that of the Amazon and the boulders you see today were ripped from mountainsides, smoothed by the flow and rolled in the flow for hundreds of miles to where you see them resting today. Register Rock is also located within the park.

Safety & Regulations

Always check current conditions before heading out. Weather can change rapidly in Idaho backcountry.
OHV registration required for all off-highway vehicles in Idaho.
Stay on designated routes. Respect wilderness boundaries and private property.
Carry extra fuel, water, and supplies. Cell service is often unavailable.

Idaho OHV Regulations

Complete Guide to Massacre Rocks State Park

Massacre Rocks State Park represents one of Upper Snake Idaho's most notable offroad destinations, offering Varies of trail terrain that attracts adventurers from across the region. Located in Idaho's Upper Snake region, this route has become a destination for jeep/truck enthusiasts seeking a balance of challenge and reward.

Trail Overview and Terrain

The Massacre Rocks State Park is classified as a moderate trail, spanning Varies through Idaho's diverse landscape. The moderate difficulty rating indicates that while most properly-equipped vehicles can handle the terrain, drivers should have some offroad experience and maintain situational awareness throughout the route.

Current status for Massacre Rocks State Park is: Open. While the route is currently open, conditions can change rapidly in Idaho's backcountry. Real-time verification before departure is always recommended.

Vehicle Requirements and Preparation

Massacre Rocks State Park is designated for the following vehicle types: Jeep/Truck. Standard offroad preparation is recommended, including proper tires, adequate ground clearance, and basic recovery equipment.

Before tackling Massacre Rocks State Park, ensure your vehicle is properly maintained with particular attention to tires, brakes, and suspension. Carry sufficient fuel for the entire journey plus reserve, as Upper Snake Idaho's backcountry offers limited services.

Planning Your Upper Snake Idaho Adventure

Summer and Fall offer the optimal conditions for exploring Massacre Rocks State Park.

Massacre Rocks State Park is best suited for experienced offroaders who understand their vehicle's capabilities and limitations. While the rewards are exceptional, proper preparation and realistic expectations are essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.

The Upper Snake Idaho Experience

The Upper Snake region of Idaho offers a distinctive character that sets it apart from other areas of the state. This region showcases Idaho's remarkable natural diversity, from river valleys to mountain peaks.

Beyond Massacre Rocks State Park, the Upper Snake region offers numerous additional offroad opportunities, camping areas, and outdoor activities. Many visitors combine their Massacre Rocks State Park adventure with exploration of nearby attractions, creating multi-day expeditions through some of America's most spectacular backcountry.

Responsible Offroading and Trail Preservation

Idaho's offroad access depends on responsible users who respect the land and follow established guidelines. When exploring Massacre Rocks State Park, practice Tread Lightly principles: stay on designated routes, pack out all trash, minimize campfire impacts, and respect wildlife and other visitors. These practices help ensure continued access to Idaho's remarkable backcountry for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts.

The unique features that make Massacre Rocks State Park special—including high country and scenic—are worth protecting for future visitors. By combining adventure with responsibility, offroaders can help maintain the wild character that makes Upper Snake Idaho such a remarkable destination.

Massacre Rocks State Park

Trail Info

GPS Data

Dispersed Camping

Allowed Vehicles

Highlights

Getting There