Beat the Pump: Idaho’s City of Rocks a Low Cost Day Trip
Many of you may decide to cancel your vacation this summer. If you plan to do a lot of driving, you’re likely considering scaling back the amount. The price of gas is eating into leisure budgets. I know my week-long forays across much of the west are going to be scaled back. Yet, I still want a break from the cabin fever of a long cold winter and an unusually cool spring. I plan some day trips and to some places, I’ve been to before. Because I don’t mind seeing some sights a second or third time.
It's Almost a Religious Experience
One of those places is the City of Rocks. I love the drive to get there. You first circle the mountain and then drive through some of the most picturesque small towns in the mountain west.
The route is filled with history. Old schoolhouses and abandoned homesteads dot the landscape along the way.
It Used to be a Rough Journey
I often find myself thinking about the early pioneers making their way west. Many left their names on the stones. I’ve googled some of the names in hopes of finding descendants in the western states. In many instances, I find no matches. Just a reminder. Not everyone made it to the end of the journey.
For those of us who shower every day and sleep in a warm and comfortable bed, it’s a reminder of the grit our forebearers had in their character.
Climbing is a Popular Activity
By the way, I also admire the toughness of the guys climbing the rocks. I think I’ll try and keep both feet on the ground.
The park is located in Cassia County. Budget for the best part of the day. The National Parks Service estimates almost 120,000 people visit the City of Rocks every year. That includes 60,000 climbers.