Near Almo in Cassia County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

A Pleasant Place

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 14, 2018

1. A Pleasant Place Marker

Inscription. Surrounded by high Rocky and very ragged looking mountains -- this valley we take the liberty to call Pleasant Valley, as it is a very good and pleasant for camping. -- Leander V. Loomis, circa 1850, describing the Circle Creek Basin.

Circle Creek Basin, the rock-studded valley in front of you, looks much as it did when California Trail emigrants camped here many years ago. This "good and pleasant place for camping" contained the three requirements for a suitable camp: water, fuel, and grass. Many emigrant trains spent the night here, grazing their livestock in the creek bottom below.
But unlike most campsites along the 2,000-mile trail, this spot offered something more; its massive rocks -- so very different from the flat prairie traveled thus far -- offered inspiration. While friends rested, some emigrants took the time to record their impressions. Most recorded their thoughts with words, a few used pictures.

We nooned among these curious monuments of nature. I dined hastily, on bread & and water, and while others rested, I explored and sketched some of these queer rocks. -- J. Goldsborough Bruff, 1849

Erected by National Park Service, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic

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lists: Landmarks • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Trail series list.

Location. 42° 4.41′ N, 113° 41.79′ W. Marker is near Almo, Idaho, in Cassia County. Marker is on City of Rocks Road (Road 3075 S) near Twin Sisters Road (Highway 3400 S), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Almo ID 83312, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. California Trail -- Silent City of Rocks (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fading Away (approx. 0.3 miles away); Distant Views (approx. 0.3 miles away); Pinnacle Pass (approx. 0.9 miles away); California Trail -- Pinnacle Pass (approx. 1.8 miles away); California Trail - Nearing City of Rocks (approx. 3.4 miles away); Twin Sisters (approx. 3.4 miles away); Passing Through (approx. 3.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Almo.

Also see . . . City of Rocks -- National Park Service. Emigrants of the California Trail describe the rocks here in
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 14, 2018

2. A Pleasant Place Marker, detail
Caption: One of the California Trail's most famous diaries was J. Goldsbrough Bruff, Enroute to the gold fields in 1849, he wore - and often sketched - detailed impressions about what he saw. His journal contained an extensive entry about the City of Rocks. Try to match his sketches with nearby rock formations.
vivid detail as "a city of tall spires,” “steeple rocks," and "the silent city." Today, this backcountry byway attracts rock climbers, campers, hikers, hunters, and those with the spirit of adventure. There's inspirational scenery, exceptional opportunities for geologic study, and remnants of the Old West awaiting your discovery. (Submitted on September 28, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 14, 2018

3. A Pleasant Place Marker

City of Rocks image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 14, 2018

4. City of Rocks

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 14, 2018

5. City of Rocks

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 14, 2018

6. City of Rocks

Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 247 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 28, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.