Idaho Gem: Craters of the Moon National Monument

Here’s the next installment in my Idaho Gem series—places around the state that I personally love and feel are worth visiting! Idaho is full of natural beauty and fun attractions, and I wanted to showcase those in case you ever find yourself planning a trip (in a safer, post-pandemic world!).

There are so many gems to be found in the Gem State! (Sorry—I had to!)

Idaho Gem: Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair
Check out volcanic features at Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

Craters of the Moon is an out-of-this-world, seemingly random scenic area located in southeast Idaho within the Snake River Plain. It’s an area characterized by volcanic features that seem like something you’d find on the moon…hence the name!

It’s a basalt rock-lovers’ paradise, with a variety of volcanic features, including cinder cones, spatter cones, and lava tubes. The monument is comprised of three (relatively) young lava flows that occurred 15,000-2,000 years ago. I visited Craters multiple times as a girl scout in my younger years, and I have fond memories of exploring the caves with my friends (as well as blasting 90s pop/rock in the car, still some of the best music TBH!).

Craters of the Moon is open year round to visitors. It’s lovely in the late spring/early summer when temperatures are mild and the wildflowers are blooming, and fall temperatures are also pleasant. Mid- to late summer can be quite hot and dry, especially with all of the black basalt rock. Be sure to plan for the heat if you visit during the summer and avoid being out at the hottest time of day.

Korri and I visited Craters of the Moon most recently last fall on our way home from Grand Teton and Yellowstone. We didn’t have much time in the park, but we did manage to squeeze in a drive around the loop road with stops at Inferno Cone, Snow Cone, and the Spatter Cones. The hike up Inferno Cone is relatively quick, but you definitely don’t want to fall on the sharp basalt rocks! It would be like falling on shards of glass. Eeep! The view from the top is worth the short thigh burn.

Inferno Cone Overlook | Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair
Hike up volcanic rock at Inferno Cone | Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair
View from the top of Inferno Cone | Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair
Tree on the top of Inferno Cone | Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair
Volcanic terrain at Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair
Spatter Cone at Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Things to Do at Craters of the Moon

Craters of the Moon is a geology lover’s paradise, but I think it’s also cool for the casual rock fans, too. It’s an easy stop if you only have an hour or so…or you can stay for the day—or longer! Here’s what you can do during your stay at Craters:

  • Check out the visitor center (see note about COVID-related closures below)

  • Drive the 7-mile loop road

  • Hike (see list of hikes below)

  • Explore caves (free permit required from visitor center; note that caves are currently closed for safety due to earthquake activity)

  • Backpack the wilderness area (free permit required from visitor center)

  • Camp at Lava Flow Campground ($15/night, no reservations)

  • In winter, cross-country ski the park road and snowshoe the trails

Hikes to do in Craters of the Moon (from shortest to longest):

  • Snow Cone/Spatter Cones (wheelchair accessible)

  • Devils Orchard Nature Trail (wheelchair accessible)

  • Inferno Cone (hike to top of cone on slick and sharp lava rock)

  • North Crater Flow Trail

  • Dewdrop Cave, Indian Tunnel, Boy Scout Cave, Beauty Cave

  • Buffalo Caves, Big Sink Overlook loop

  • North Crater Trail

  • Tree Molds Trail

  • Wilderness Trail

Note that the loop road is closed to vehicles in the winter, from about November through mid-April, depending on the snow cover.

Visit Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair
Lava field and foliage | Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair
Basalt rock geology | Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair
Look inside volcanic spatter cones at Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair
Paved trail to see the spatter cones at Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair
Terrain at Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

VISIT CRATERS OF THE MOON!

Robert Limbert Visitor Center
1266 Craters Loop Rd
Arco, ID 83213
(U.S. Highway 20/26/93 midway between Arco and Carey, Idaho)

Spring, Summer, and Fall Hours (May through November):
Daily, 8 AM—4:30 PM MT

Winter Hours (December through April):
Daily, 9 AM—4:30 PM MT

The park itself is open 24/7! Note that the visitor center may be closed due to COVID-19, but if it is closed, there is at least one park ranger set up out front during normal hours that is happy to share information and tips! There’s also a restroom inside the building.

PARK ENTRY FEE: $20 per vehicle (for a 7-day pass)
(or buy an annual interagency pass for $80 and visit any park for a year!)

LODGING/RESTAURANTS/GAS: Arco, Idaho (northeast of the park) is the closest town with lodging and a few restaurants. Gas is available in Arco and Carey (southwest of the park).

Check out all of the gems in the Idaho Gem series!

Things to do at Craters of the Moon National Monument Where to stop on an Idaho road trip: Craters of the Moon
IdahoKimi, Cotton Cashmere Cat HairIdaho Gem, south-central IdahoComment