Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
4.7(4.5K)google
4.7(95)yelp
National MonumentVolcanoGeologyHikingScenic Lookout
Overview
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a U.S. national monument and national preserve in the Snake River Plain in central Idaho. It is along US 20 (concurrent with US 93 and US 26), between the small towns of Arco and Carey, at an average elevation of 5,900 feet (1,800 m) above sea level. The Monument was established on May 2, 1924.
Practical Info
Every dayOpen 24 hours
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeLate spring (May to June) brings mild temperatures and unique volcanic wildflower blooms, making it the ideal season, alongside September. Early morning from 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM is the ultimate time of day; the low-angled sun brings out the rugged textures of the basalt lava flows and cinder cones before the unshaded black terrain cooks in the midday sun.
Getting ThereThere are no public transit lines; driving is required. The park entrance is located directly off US Highway 20/26/93, roughly 18 miles southwest of the town of Arco. Once inside, visitors can drive along the 7-mile scenic Loop Road, which offers convenient, paved parking lots at all major lava trailheads and volcanic cave entrances like Indian Tunnel.
Travel Tips
- Summer lava temperatures can spike above 150 Fahrenheit; the barren landscape offers zero shade making midday hiking hazardous, so plan all treks for early morning or dusk.
- Before entering lava caves, you must obtain a free cave permit at the Robert Limbert Visitor Center and clear a screening to prevent White-nose Syndrome spread.
- Traversing jagged cinder cones and aa lava fields requires stiff, high-traction hiking boots; soft-soled shoes or sandals will be easily shredded by the razor-sharp rock.
Reviews
Positive
- The vast, black volcanic lava landscape feels like stepping onto the moon, delivering a uniquely surreal visual spectacle.
- Exploring the volcanic caves is thrilling, walking through pitch-black subterranean tubes with a true sense of adventure.
- The core area features a well-designed driving loop with abundant parking spots and informative historical plaques.
- In late spring, rare wildflowers bloom across the black volcanic ash, creating a striking and beautiful color contrast.
Heads up
- The summer heat is brutal as the black lava rock absorbs intense sunlight, offering zero shade or cool rest areas.
- Entering the caves requires a permit from the visitor center, but caves are frequently closed due to bat conservation efforts.
- For non-hikers or those uninterested in geology, the endless vistas of unchanging black rocks can feel repetitive and dry.
- Aside from the visitor center, there are almost no commercial vendors or vending machines inside, making dining inconvenient.