Castle Rocks

Last year we went on family vacation to City of Rocks, ID and spent a few days bouldering at Castle Rocks while we were there. We were inspired by the boulders and decided to go back for part of our road trip this year. It's an awesome place! It was also a very toasty warm place this year! We weren't quite able to wrap things up the way we had hoped because it was just so hot, but at least it's an excuse to make the trip back! We discovered the most delicious diner we've ever experienced in Albian, so there's another great reason we won't be sad to go back! My mouth is watering just thinking about it...

We camped in the City of Rocks campground the first few days of the week then moved to the free BLM camping for a few days. I think next time we'll stick to the campground even though it costs more. Their outhouses were amazingly clean and the road was significantly better!

Not only is the landscape beautiful, the area also has a lot of interesting historical significance. Thousands of pioneers camped and traveled through the area on their way west. The rock pictured above (Camp Rock) is a huge boulder where many pioneers "registered" their names as they passed through using axle grease. The guidebook also says there are wagon ruts in some areas, but we weren't sure where they are so we didn't get to see them.

Casey and Tommy finished off the trip working on The Smell. The conditions were finally windy and a little more cool, but our skin was wrecked from the granite!

Matt and Tommy joined us Friday and Saturday.

Tommy working out the moves on Golden Chandelier.

Our campsite was near the Twin Sisters (pictured below). The website for reserving campsites was very vague so we ended up having a site with a 320' walk-in. The privacy was nice but it was an extra adventure hauling our stuff up and back.

A lot of the undeveloped rock is kind of chossy, but there is definitely room for more development. We found this cool boulder at the City of Rocks just down the path from a bathroom. It doesn't look like it's been cleaned yet, but it looks like it could definitely have some quality climbs!

I'm a big fan of wildflowers.

I got really close on Waxie's Darble. Wish it was closer to home!

Our City of Rocks campsite. Don't ask how many times I hit my head on that overhang above the table. :)

Bouldering at Bunker

Our summer has been incredible!! We have lots of catching up to do. In the meantime, here are some pictures from Bunker Creek, our favorite local bouldering area lately. It's beautiful and there is a lot of potential for development still. During our "week off" of vacation (we have the life!) we spent a few evenings at the Meadows and the Springfield area. Summer bouldering can be tricky anywhere, but we've had fun and managed to snag a few sends despite the hot temps.

I can't ever resist a picture of a wildflower. We live in a beautiful world! 

Casey climbing a cool v5 we found at the Meadows

A v3 on the right side of the same boulder. It has a nice vertical face with quality, pocketed problems! We were happy to find it!

Casey on Steel Cage Death Match v11 at the Springfield area.

Cameron climbing Batman. A great v2 also at Springfield.

Casey's project, a low start to Flaming Mo.

Cameron working Abu. A fun V3 on the boulder facing Flaming Mo.

Johnno making his way up a tall slab.

We've started cleaning some new lines to further develop the area. 

This is Johnno on a cool looking new line!

As sad as it is to see our road trip end, we are excited to get back to finish up some old and begin working on some new lines at Bunker Creek and the surrounding areas.