City of Rocks National Reserve
Sept 5-7 2025
Please note, I changed the Friday night Pizza meeting time to 7 pm
Weather should be nice in September, but you should be prepared for Heat, cold, rain and/or wind just in case! Non-PAPI members are welcome to attend, since I know you will want to join PAPI once you see how fun we are!
*Please read the notice about lack or cell service
*Bring a bathing suit or Tee and shorts for the Hot Springs. (See Durfee Hot Springs info below).
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!***
Schedule:
***Friday afternoon***
Let's meet at the visitor center at 3 pm. and decide where we should go to paint.
City of Rocks Visitor Center, 3035 S. Elba Almo Rd. We will leave by 3:30, but we will leave a note so you can find us if you are late.
Dinner at the Pizza place at 7 pm
(I Changed this because it won't be enough time to paint if we are meeting at 3PM)
Meet at the outside shaded area: Rock City Mercantile, 3049 S Elba Almo Rd, Almo, ID 83312
***Saturday***
Let's plan to leave from the parking lot of the Almo Inn at 9 am. Or meet us at Bath Rock if you know where you are going.
Bath Rock is 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.
To find Bath Rock: 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!
Dinner Potluck 6 pm at the visitor center. (Bring a camp chair if you have one) There is a picnic table and I have a 10x10 pop up for shade.
We will have a grill to cook on. I'll bring condiments and Ice. Please bring your favorite thing for the grill like: Hamburger, hot dog, sausage, veggie patty, corn, etc. Also, please bring your own drinks and something to share like: chips, salads, desserts, etc.
After dinner we will gather to share our day’s work and socialize. Followed by a Nocturne if you still have energy!
***Sunday***
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 lots of views!
Meet at the Almo Inn Parking lot at 9 AM.
Some people might leave around lunch time others will stay. We are quite casual!
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!)
• 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. But ok for passenger cars.
• 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
• Feel free to arrive/depart whenever you want—the times are flexible.
• There are restrooms at the Bath Rock parking lot and also at the Visitors center (Even if they are closed).
• There is not always potable water, it is suggested to bring your own just in case.
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 or that they still exist!)
• 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.
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 early 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.
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