Climate and Weather: City of Rocks
City of Rocks, located in the gently rolling sagebrush country of southern Idaho on the northern edge of the Great Basin, is an extraordinary encirclement of granite that has attracted and intrigued people since they first entered this region. The Shoshone camped here as did the emigrants traveling along the California Trail. One of the reserve's most notable qualities is its large degree of biological diversity concentrated in a relatively small area.
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The great variety of textures, colors, and shapes in the natural landscape contributes considerably to the reserve's scenic quality. Today, the area is well-known among climbers, offering an array of short but challenging ascents. Outdoor recreation can be pleasant from April through October.
Summers are generally dry; the 10 to 15 inches of precipitation fall mostly in winter and spring. Summer temperatures range wildly with nighttime lows occasionally approaching freezing and midday highs nearing 100° F. July and August also see afternoon thundershowers, some of which can be quite spectacular. Visitors should bring sunscreen to protect themselves from the very intense sunshine at high elevations.
The area's historical and geological values, scenery, and opportunities for recreation led to its designation as City of Rocks National Reserve in 1988. This unit of the National Park system is managed cooperatively by the National Park Service and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, who invite you to enjoy the wonders of the City of Rocks.