Emigrants of the California Trail described the rocks here in vivid detail as "a city of tall spires," "steeple rocks," and "the silent city." Today, this backcountry byway attracts rock climbers, campers, hikers, hunters, and those with the spirit of adventure, with inspirational scenery, exceptional opportunities for geologic study, and remnants of the Old West. City of Rocks is in south-central Idaho on the northern edge of the Basin and Range geologic province. Outdoor recreation can be pleasant from April through October. Summers are generally dry, with 10 to 15 inches of precipitation in winter and spring. Summer temperatures range widely, with nighttime lows occasionally approaching freezing and midday highs nearing 100 degrees F; however, the typical range of low and high temperature is 45-85. Thunderstorms are common in the summer months of June-August.