Car Camping in a Suburban + Rock Climbing in The City of Rocks, Idaho
As distinct as any iconic city skyline, the spires and towers of City of Rocks are even more striking after the drive required to reach their remote location. Springing up out of the sagebrush of the high desert, it is clear why so many pioneers found the view worthy of recording in their journals after a long trip across the endless plains. Situated along the California Trail, you can still see the names of many intrepid travelers written in axle grease on the huge boulders just off the road. Over 150 years after these travelers passed through, this beautiful spot is still a remote treasure.
Well-known in the climbing community with over 1,000 climbing and bouldering routes of varied difficulty, the City of Rocks National Reserve is worth a stop even if tempting gravity isn’t your idea of fun. Hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, camping and more are all available in the park and in the area. Located about an hour off the interstate in tiny Almo, Idaho, a visitor’s center offers more information on the City of Rocks and nearby Castle Rocks State Park.
Multiple camping options from RV-friendly to primitive are available, and reserving a site in the busy summer months is a good idea. Come in the winter or shoulder seasons and you’re likely to have your pick of awesome campsites. I used the dyrt app to help find the prime spot I chose. This is an awesome tool to find the perfect spot anywhere you’re camping, and you can try it for a month free by using https://pro.thedyrt.com/chase/.
After many trips past the City of Rocks on my way to other adventures, and hearing about its legendary climbing, I finally had an excuse to come see it for myself. After picking up a Suboverland camping vehicle from my friend Grady in Twin Falls, I spent a night trying it out in the City of Rocks before meeting him for a day of climbing. Suboverland specializes in retrofitting GMC Suburbans with everything needed to make a reliable camping and exploration vehicle. I found their motto of “Make it Simple, Make it Strong, Make it Work” to be spot on, and after many nights sleeping in a Subaru the camping platform was nothing short of palatial.
We picked a moderate multi-pitch route to tackle, with alternates in mind for weather curveballs, and ended up getting snow at the top that felt more like December than May. A view of the snowstorm rolling in over the valley made a spectacular view even more memorable. After climbing back down and packing the rig, I was sorry I didn’t have more time. After years of anticipation, this short trip only served to pique my interest for my new favorite city.
Even if you live in the Gem State, chances are your knowledge of what lies off the interstate between Boise and Salt Lake City, or Boise and Jackson, Wyoming is limited to sage brush and a few point-of-interest signs. You’ve probably seen signs for City of Rocks or the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway whipping by and wished you had time for a detour. Instead of passing through, it’s well worth it to make a trip to this corner of the state as its own destination.
Southern Idaho is full of natural wonders that will make you feel like you’re finding a best-kept-secret, or a “locals only” spot. Clear springs cascading from sheer cliffs, or granite gardens that will make you think you’re in the canyons of Utah are only a few of the surprises you’ll find in this sparsely populated region. Check out https://visitsouthidaho.com/ for detailed information on City of Rocks and many other natural attractions that you won’t believe you’ve never heard of.
