City Of Rocks National Reserve in October
October at City Of Rocks National Reserve averages a daytime high near 64°F and an overnight low around 37°F, with about 0.9" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.3× the park's average month, which makes October a busy month here.
- Average low
- 37°F
- Average high
- 64°F
Range across the year: 21°F to 86°F
- Precipitation
- 0.9 in
- Daylight
- 10.8 hours
Roughly 11% of the park's yearly visitors come in October: about 11,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1992 to 2025.
That makes October the 6th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the June peak (2.1×) and the February low (0.1×).
October is our recommended month at City Of Rocks: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 51°F is a comfortable range for hiking and being outdoors all day. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 14.6 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 45% of annual visitors, choosing October instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 10.8 hours of daylight in October to explore — between the 8.9-hour midwinter low and the 15.1-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 90,898 recreation visits, up 1.1% from 89,949 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 23%, so October may feel a touch quieter than it once did.
How October compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 77°F / 47°F | 1.6× Very busy | 54 Fair |
| October | 64°F / 37°F | 1.3× Busy | 46 Fair |
| November | 50°F / 28°F | 0.6× Quiet | 43 Poor |
All twelve months at City Of Rocks, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
October averages a daytime high near 64°F and an overnight low around 37°F at City Of Rocks National Reserve, with about 0.9 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 14.6 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
October is busy at City Of Rocks National Reserve (about 1.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 46/100. October is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is June and the quietest is February. October sits at about 1.3× the park's average, or 11% of annual visitation.
A typical October sees about 11,000 recreation visits at City Of Rocks National Reserve, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1992–2025.
Where to stay near City Of Rocks in October
Booking a October trip to City Of Rocks National Reserve? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live October availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near City Of Rocks
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in October.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1992–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.