Teepee Rocks in the Sawtooth National Forest is truly otherworldly! The ‘tuff’ rock formations are ash deposits from volcanic activity years ago in Southern Idaho. The drive to get to Teepee Rocks is long and bumpy, and please remember to leave no trace when visiting! Teepee Rocks is about 2 hours from Twin Falls, or 4 hours from Boise.
Directions to Teepee Rocks
The adventure begins in a tiny town called Oakley, Idaho in very south Idaho. The 2 closest & largest towns near Teepee Rocks are Twin Falls or Burley. Once you’ve driven to Oakley, you have about a 45-50 minute drive to Teepee Rocks on a not so great gravel road.
Follow Trapper Creek Road past Oakley Reservoir. The reservoir is super pretty, especially at golden hour. Be cautious of other adventurers and boaters. You may have to pass a massive boat and or trailer on the tiny road on a steep ledge. Be prepared to stop and yield for oncoming traffic at all times.
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You will drive over 3 cattle grades before making it to the parking area for Teepee Rocks. The last cattle grade is about 100 feet from the trail that will take you back to Teepee Rocks. Park here at this gate/clearing, or drive just a bit further. Another telling sign you have made it is that there are the white volcanic rock formations starting along the road! They aren’t as triangle shaped as the back ones, but similar texture.
If you have a high clearance vehicle you can drive the road back to Teepee Rocks but I generally recommend not doing so. It could cause a traffic jam if anyone tries parking next to you. So I always park along the road.
Hiking at Teepee Rocks
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The hiking trail through the rocks is very sandy and steep. Take your time and hike up for a cool view above the rocks. You can also hike along side them on the west faces, or hike among them on north east section. There are some gates around so be respectful of land owners. You mustn’t leave any trash here. No one will pick up after you. Also, do not carve in these rocks. Watch for rattle snakes and other wildlife such as coyotes.
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Taking photos at Teepee Rocks
Are drones allowed at Teepee Rocks? Yes! You can fly here.
My favorite photo place at Teepee Rocks is through the opening gate once you’ve hiked up the steep and sandy trail. It veers to the east and then leads south along the rock formations. You’ll see it looks over the trail. Here I’ll set up a tripod and go shoot myself hiking down! You can see the example of the view in my Instagram reel below.
Be responsible! Leave no trace!
Again, please do not leave any trash here! It is so important to take care of this beautiful destination. The tuff rock is fragile and it is crucial that you do not carve into it, or tag it. Please be sure to grab any trash on your way out that you may see! We can work together to keep Idaho beautiful.
Earth to Sarah 