The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
If you are looking for a unique hiking destination, head to Gooding City of Rocks near Goodling, Idaho. This is also a fantastic place for mountain biking and horseback riding. The access road to this location is about 80 miles southeast of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, is privately owned, and only open when it is dry.
You can find many excellent Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in this area, and boondocking is allowed at Gooding City of Rocks. At BLM campgrounds, you can camp for up to 14 days out of 28 days for free or at a nominal charge. While most have minimal services, many are in very scenic areas. Search for low-cost or free Bureau of Land Management camping facilities wherever you roam.
This trail starts at the Trees Mold Trailhead at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Across its short distance, you can see many basaltic features left by volcanoes that formed this unique landscape. It is easy to follow this cinder and asphalt trail, making it an excellent place for a family hike.
Length:1.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail at City of Rocks National Reserve has kiosks along it, allowing you to understand more about the forces that formed the unique landscape in this area. Start this trail at the Circle Creek Overlook Trailhead where there is plenty of room to park an RV. You will love seeing the different parts of the reserve from the overlook at the end of this trail.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
This trail running through Twin Falls, Idaho follows the Snake River through a scenic canyon. You can often spot jumpers using parachutes to jump off the Perrine Bridge while hiking along this trail. You may also want to wave at the kayakers on the Snake River.
Length: 10 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Magic Reservoir between Ketchum and Twin Falls, Idaho is a fantastic place to go fly-fishing. This year-round fishing spot is particularly a great place to catch yellow perch. People often waterski and wakeboard at this location. There are nearby campgrounds and a full-service marina.
City of Rocks National Reserve is a terrific place to go granite-rock climbing. There are numerous climbing areas available, including Window Rock. The west wall of this rock is one of the most challenging climbs at this site. The Morning Glory Spire has 15 named routes up it and is easily accessed from the parking lot.
Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area is a great place to see hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons, especially in the spring when about 1,600 birds flock to this location to lay their eggs and raise their young. You will also love exploring the 700-foot-tall cliffs at this location, where the Snake River flows through its center. This site has the largest concentration of nesting birds in the United States.
Bruneau Dunes State Park is a fantastic place for a picnic. After lunch, rent a sandboard from the park's office to play on some of the tallest sand dunes in North America. Find outstanding bluegill fishing in the lake at the foot of the dune. You will want to stick around until nightfall on the weekends to gaze through the telescopes in the observatory. Consider staying at the campground and using the dump station.
There are many opportunities to go RV camping near City of Rocks. Smoky Mountain Campground at City of Rocks National Reserve offers electric hookups all year and water hookups during the warmer months. Lava Flow Campground at Crater of the Moon National Monument and Preserve offers 43 sites. This campground is usually open from April through November.
Boondocking is allowed at Gooding City of Rocks. Camas Prairie - Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area offers free camping near Hill City, Idaho. This is a terrific place for a late May camping adventure when the blooming camas lilies cover the hillsides, and it is a great place to go bird-watching. You can also boondock at Balanced Rock County Park. You will want to see the unique 40-foot-tall rock that balances precariously on a three-foot-tall pedestal.
The first 1.5 miles of the lollipop trail at Gooding City of Rocks are well maintained. After that, you will need to use your orienteering skills to finish this unique hike. Therefore, you should bring a good trail map with you as there are many side trails, so it is easy to get confused.
You should also bring a compass with you. If you need to buy a new compass, look for one where the needle is in a liquid-filled compass housing as it will move faster, allowing you to find magnetic north easier. The more markings on the bezel, the more accurate the compass will be. Those with an attached lanyard are easier to carry than having to dig one out of your bag while hiking.
You will love camping at BLM campgrounds. Make the most of your time by learning more about BLM camping before your trip.
Rattlesnakes live at Gooding City of Rocks. When you leave your trash behind, you give them more spaces to hide near trails and parking spaces. Therefore, you should help protect everyone's safety by packing out your trash after BLM RV camping in the area.
In Gooding, Idaho, get on Idaho 46 going south. In about 14 miles, you will see a small sign saying "Gooding City of Rocks." Turn on the unnamed private road and go until you see the site. Note that the private road is impassable when wet, so if the gate is closed, you will need to come back on a different day.
Ready to visit Gooding City of Rocks? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
