City of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for City of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho, United States of America? If you're planning to go to City of Rocks National Reserve, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to City of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in City of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for City of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in City of Rocks National Reserve, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for City of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho, United States of America by month

January

January is very cold. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in City of Rocks National Reserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the necessary type. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

February

If you go to City of Rocks National Reserve in February, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain or snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in City of Rocks National Reserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the right kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

Traveling to City of Rocks National Reserve in March, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain or snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in City of Rocks National Reserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the right type. Many adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

If you vacation in City of Rocks National Reserve during April, you might see that it is chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain or snow/sleet a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in City of Rocks National Reserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

If you vacation in City of Rocks National Reserve during May, you will probably notice that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in City of Rocks National Reserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

June

Traveling to City of Rocks National Reserve in June, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in City of Rocks National Reserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the right type. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

July

If you go to City of Rocks National Reserve in July, you will notice that it is really hot. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in City of Rocks National Reserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the correct kind. Most adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

August can be very hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in City of Rocks National Reserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the correct type. Many adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

September in City of Rocks National Reserve is warm and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in City of Rocks National Reserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

October here can be chilly. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains or snows once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in City of Rocks National Reserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

November can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in City of Rocks National Reserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

December for City of Rocks National Reserve is frigid. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in City of Rocks National Reserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the right type. Most adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in City of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho, United States of America

The City of Rocks National Reserve located in the southern part of Idaho, United States of America, is a fascinating place for tourists to explore. The reserve is home to unique geological formations that are sure to keep tourists enthralled for hours on end.

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in City of Rocks National Reserve:

1. City of Rocks - This is the main attraction of the reserve, and it is not hard to see why. The City of Rocks is a formation of massive granite spires, boulders, and pinnacles that are over 2.5 billion years old. The formations are so unique and beautiful that they have attracted people for hundreds of years.

2. Trail Rides - One of the best ways to explore the City of Rocks is through a trail ride. Horseback riding tours are available, and they provide tourists with a unique perspective of the reserve. They also make it possible to see the wildlife that lives in the reserve, including mule deer, elk, and coyotes.

3. Rock Climbing - The City of Rocks is known to be a world-renowned rock climbing destination. There are over 1,000 routes available, ranging from easy to extremely challenging, which makes it a great destination for climbers of all levels. The park provides guided tours for beginners and also offers equipment rentals.

4. Hiking - For those who prefer to explore on foot, hiking is a great option. There are 22 miles of hiking trails in the reserve, ranging from easy to moderate. The trails take visitors through canyons, open meadows, and forests, giving them a chance to experience the unique landscape and surroundings of the reserve.

5. Historical Sites - In addition to its geological wonders, the City of Rocks also has a rich history. There are several historical sites within the reserve, including the California Trail, which was used by pioneers heading west during the 1840s and 1850s. Tourists can take guided tours of the trail and explore the remains of old wagon ruts, grave markers, and other landmarks.

6. Camping - Visitors to the City of Rocks can stay in one of the two campgrounds located within the reserve. Both offer a range of amenities, including restrooms, showers, fire pits, and access to water. Camping is a fantastic way to immerse oneself in the beauty of the reserve and experience its natural wonders first-hand.

In conclusion, the City of Rocks National Reserve has a lot to offer tourists. From its unique geological formations, world-class rock climbing, beautiful hiking trails, and historical sites, there is something for everyone. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, or adventure seeker, the City of Rocks is a destination that should not be missed.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Griffin, Georgia, United States of America, Masindi, Uganda, Tyne and Wear, England, United Kingdom, Naryan-Mar, Russia, Jogindernagar, India, Carrington, North Dakota, United States of America, Zhanjiang, China, Sonamarg, India, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia, Winner, South Dakota, United States of America, and Anavilhanas, Amazonas, Brazil.