City of rocks Feb 2

Weather looks like it will be nice for climbing city. Just wanting to get out and climb. Some multi pitch would be preferred. I have all the gear we would need.

As of January 18, there was quite a lot of snow, blowing and drifting, and the road had deep snow either side from being plowed. Snow was in drifts (or sloughed off) against some rocks, mostly blown away other places. We were postholing, even with snowshoes, in soft powder that was at least 3 feet deep minimum. Ski poles never hit ground when they sank, just an occasional thank god rock, lol!

That said, Castle looked like it might go, the flats down by town had the snow largely blown off, but we didn't hike up to it, so no idea how much is at the base. Bath and Elephant rock had pretty big piles of snow in places, around the base.

It was totally gorgeous though. My first winter trip, my friend's first trip ever, and we had the place entirely to ourselves! City of Rocks backcountry style, right off the road!

Best, Helen

Steinfeld's dome is what I was hoping to get to. Can you take a snowmobile in there? Not sure what the regulations are against motorized vehicles.

Tallan McCulloch wrote: Steinfeld's dome is what I was hoping to get to. Can you take a snowmobile in there? Not sure what the regulations are against motorized vehicles.

I don't think any motorized stuff is allowed off-road, in any season, and all users are expected to stay on the appropriate trails throughout the park, including bikes. Just ask the Parks people if need be! They are great at responding to comments on FB, or just give them a call. 

So no, you need to get there on your own power, likely including navigating if the trails are still snowed in. I highly recommend the climb on topo map, available at the visitor center. Also remember, you will be on your own, so have a capable partner and plans in place as if it's backcountry. The place will be empty, most likely.

Best, Helen

Tallan I thoughtThis might be useful information for you Conditions as of feb/1/2020.

Thanks adam! Planning on going presidents day instead.

Tallan McCulloch wrote: Thanks adam! Planning on going presidents day instead.

I think the point that others are trying to make is that the city of rocks isn’t a winter crag. Whether you go on Groundhog Day or Presidents’ Day it’s not the season for climbing there. Moreover, if you really wanted to climb in the area, steinfells dome would be among the worst choices, it’s a granite mountaintop that gets hammered by wind and storms. Come back in April, or stick to a low, sheltered, sunny crag.

1. Any recommendations kevin?

Tallan McCulloch wrote:

1. Any recommendations kevin?

massacre rocks and dierkes lake would be better options. You might get away with climbing at castle rocks, as was mentioned above. 

That wasn’t my point this picture was also taken 2/1/2020.  Our plan was to climb sinocranium. The snow on the route didn’t look appealing so we climbed at castle rock instead. Both on the south face and Hostess.
It was a beautiful day out climbing! 

Kevin Bradford wrote:

massacre rocks and dierkes lake would be better options. You might get away with climbing at castle rocks, as was mentioned above. 

Check out Teddy Bear Cove for winter climbing it is next door to Massacre rocks (couple miles down the road). Access is 5 min walk with high clearance vehicle 10 min walk from the road with a car. Massacre is great but harder to get to then Teddy Bear.  Photo from last weekend at Teddy Bear Cove. 

Is that area brand new? I’ll have to check it out

Kevin Bradford wrote: Is that area brand new? I’ll have to check it out

A few years old but just published. The new Idaho Underground book has it. It was also just loaded into MP so you can do a search for it.  Check out The Pit Wall for winter climbing.