City of Rocks National Reserve
I am happy to announce the date for the City of Rocks 2025 event, Sept 5-7.
Weather should be nice in September, but you should be prepared for Heat, cold, rain and/or wind just in case!
You can follow any directions in google maps or Garmin to get here, but make sure you are going to The City of Rocks National Reserve near Almo, Idaho. There are a few "City of Rocks" on the map! Stop by the visitor center in the Town of Almo and get a paper copy of the map. It has all trails (Bike, hike and climb) all parking lots and restrooms. Plus attractions like: Bread Loves, Circle Creek Outlook, Elephant and Bath rock, etc..
***Please print your directions ahead of time as there is very limited Cell reception in that area!***
For painting:
I'm planning to paint on Friday afternoon.
(Location tBD)
Saturday morning: Let's plan to leave from the parking lot of the Almo Inn at 8 am. Or meet us at Bath Rock if you know where you are going.
Due to limited cell reception in the area, I will post notices at the visitor center if there is a change of plans (This is also the best place to get cell service and check your texts and messages, even when they are closed!)
As in the past, we are going to Bath Rock on Saturday, since its the best place to find shade. You might want to bring a sandwich for lunch so you don't have to leave, but its up to you.
Follow the main road through City of Rocks National Preserve (Birch Creek Rd) Stay on the main route. Approx 5.4 miles total. Bath Rock is on the left, the parking lot and trail are on the right. I will put out my PAPI sign. But as always, feel free to paint wherever you like!
We can make a plan for Sunday based on what everyone wants to do. Last year we went to Twin Sisters, we found shade and it was fabulous!
• City of Rocks has many other fabulous areas for painting. The times posted are just a guide, you can arrive early, stay later or just attend for 1 day if you like.
• The visitor center in Almo has free maps of the reserve, as well as a short video of the history of the reserve—worth watching. They also have free Wi-Fi (accessible from inside the building and the parking lot). The rangers can answer any logistics questions you might have.
• There is a Phillips 66 gas/convenience in Albion
• The road through the reserve is dirt. Last time I was on it, it was very smooth and fine for passenger cars—however, take it slow! You don’t want a flat!
• Expect it to be a bit breezy to super breezy!
• In past years, when it rained, we were able to paint from the Almo Inn covered porch area. If you are staying there, please let me know.
• Dogs are permitted on-leash in the park and are welcome to paint with you!
• DO NOT use online mapping directions to Bath Rock, the directions will likely take you a very, very lengthy and curse-worthy wrong way
• I plan to paint late afternoon on Friday and all day Saturday, plus half day on Sunday, but others may wish to extend their stay for mid week painting.
• Feel free to arrive/depart whenever you want—the times are flexible.
• There are restrooms at the Bath Rock parking lot.
• There is not always potable water at the Bath Rock area—it is suggested to bring your own just in case.
Breakfasts and Lunches:
• You’re on your own for breakfasts and lunches. It’s suggested to pack a lunch and/or snack to have while painting during the day.
Dinners:
Friday let's plan to go to the Pizza place and then possibly to Durfee Hot Springs for a soak. (Peggy and I went last year, super fun!) Yes, Bathing suits are required, its not THAT type of hot springs, LOL.
• Saturday night Potluck! (Location to be announced.) We will cook the main course. Please bring your own drinks and something to share like: chips, salads, desserts, etc. If you are a vegetarian, please bring something and we can throw it on the grill for you!
After dinner we will gather to share our day’s work and socialize (or work on twilight or Nocturne paintings).
We have gotten too large for the Almo Outpost Steakhouse, but feel free to grab a few people and visit them at any time!
Camping/Lodging:
There are a few Air BnB's and the Almo Inn has nice rooms.
• Google for up-to-date camping/lodging info in the area.
There is the City of Rocks preserve and also Castle Rock State Park (But you need to book early!)
If everything is full, there is "City of Rocks Camp and Climb" no frills RV sites w power or tent sites.
Amenities in Almo:
(Google to check hours of operation)
• Tracy General Store, 3001 S. Elba Almo Rd.
o Gas, convenience store items, homemade ice cream
• Rock City Mercantile: 3049 S. Elba Almo Rd.
o (between the national reserve and the City of Rocks Visitor Center)
• Pizza, snacks, wine, beer
• Almo Outpost Steakhouse, 3020 S. Elba Almo Rd.
• The Lunchroom (sandwich shop), 2992 S. Elba Almo Rd.
• Durfee Hot Springs, 2798 S. Elba Almo Rd.
• City of Rocks Visitor Center, 3035 S. Elba Almo Rd.
o Maps, Wi-Fi, T-shirts, books, advice, etc.
Amenities in Albion:
(Google to check hours of operation)
• Phillips 66 gas station and convenience store, 883 S. 883 ID-77
• Piggy Sue Barbecue, 262 Main St.
• One Punch Pizza, 247 W. North St.
Non-PAPI members are welcome to attend, since I know you will want to join PAPI once you see how fun we are!
The Almo Inn, which is the most desirable location to stay, has a limited number of rooms and has been growing in popularity. Reserving a room now if you’re interested is a good idea.
There is camping available in the City of Rocks National Reserve (among a few other camping options in the area). Visit this link for more info:
https://www.reserveamerica.com/.../cit.../ID/315044/overview
https://www.nps.gov/ciro/index.htm
Almo Inn URL:
https://www.almoinn.com/
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Albion, Arts events in Albion, Fine Arts events in Albion.
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