Granite columns, some reaching 60 stories tall, loom high above Circle Creek Basin and are popular with climbers. Many of the granitic rock formations that are the outstanding features of the Reserve are over 2.5 billion years old, some of the oldest found in North America. Established in 1988 as a national reserve, City of Rocks encompasses 14,407 acres of land (about one quarter is privately owned) renowned for its scenic, geologic and historic significance. Take a walk to see inscriptions on the spires written in axle grease by pioneers traveling through on the California Trail. There is a visitor center at Almo.