Ultimate Guide to Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve: Best National Parks in Idaho
(Updated: 2023)
Discover the otherworldly landscape of Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho, a geological wonder that will leave you in awe. From volcanic features to lava tubes, this unique Idaho natural attraction is a must-see for any traveler. In this blog, I'll take you through the best things to do in Craters of the Moon National Monument, including hiking trails, guided tours, and camping options.
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve is (in my opinion) one of the most underrated National parks that NEEDS to be added to your bucket list. I had never heard of this preserve prior to doing my research on where to stop during my Southern/Central Idaho road trip. I spent only about 3 hours here, though you could easily spend a night or two in the campgrounds to experience all this park has to offer.
I have included links out to the NPS website throughout this blog to help you easily access the related information in more detail. Here is all about exploring Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve!
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What is Craters of the Moon?
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve is an area of lava fields, sagebrush, and cinder cones that formed over the last 15,000 years from violent volcanic eruptions. The last eruption occurred about 2,000 years ago, but scientists believe the volcanoes here are merely “sleeping” and could very well erupt again. Makes visiting here that much more exciting!
It gets its name “Craters of the Moon” because of its other-worldly terrain and NASA astronauts in 1969 actually visited Craters of the Moon while training for their moon expedition. Here is the recorded timeline of the last 2,000 years on the park’s website. It is very interesting!
Today, you can visit the park and experience the desolate land of once-raging lava by camping, hiking cinder cones, peering into spatter cones, and even touring the inside of lava tubes and caves.
How to Get There & Road Accessibility
Car
The best (and really only) way to get to Craters of the Moon is by car. Whether you are road-tripping in from another state, or need to pick up a rental car to get here, there is no public transit service that will take you into the park. The route to the park is also a scenic drive in Idaho that a car gives you the flexibility to explore.
Plane
If you are flying into the state of Idaho first, the closest major airport is located in Boise, ID. However, there are smaller regional airports even closer in Hailey, ID, Twin Falls, ID, and Idaho Falls, ID. Once you land, pick up a rental and you can be on your way!
Boise Airport - BOI (2hrs, 38min drive)
Friedman Memorial Airport, Hailey - SUN (59min drive)
Idaho Falls Regional Airport, Idaho Falls - IDA (1hr, 23min drive)
Magic Valley Regional Airport, Twin Falls - TWF (1hr, 47min drive)
Guided Tour from Twin Falls
There is one Guided Tour to Craters of the Moon I have found that leaves out of Twin Falls, ID. The knowledgeable guide picks you up from your location in Twin Falls, and you spend 7-8 hours in and around the COTM park. You can book this experience on Tripadvisor.
Winter Accessibility
During the winter months, snow may prevent you from being able to visit if you are inexperienced in driving in snow. As you get closer to the park, you will see signs that say snow chains are required past that point and into the park. Due to snow, the Loop road may be closed. Be sure to check for weather updates and closures on the COTM website prior to your arrival.
Where to Stay Near Craters of the Moon
Many of the small towns nearest to Craters of the Moon National Monument have only low-star motels, RV parks, or campgrounds. Your best bet in my opinion is to stay in one of the bigger towns that are a little further drive or, camp overnight at the park.
Here are some of the nearest towns with nice hotel and Airbnb accommodation options:
Bellvue, ID - Distance: 48 miles; 49mins
Hailey, ID - Distance: 52 miles; 1hr (This is where we stayed in Hailey. Not an ad, just really enjoyed our stay here!)
Idaho Falls, ID - Distance: 86 miles; 1hr 24mins
Pocatello, ID - Distance: 102 miles; 1hr 39mins
Twin Falls, ID - Distance: 90 miles; 1hr 40mins (This is where we stayed in Twin Falls. Not an ad, just really enjoyed our stay here!)
Campgrounds
All campground information including availability, price, facilities, etc is on the park’s website here. Craters of the Moon offers unique campsites in Idaho to add to your Idaho itinerary. Here are the options available:
Lava Flow Campground
42 site campgrounds are only available May through November due to winter weather.
Group Campground
A campground for groups of up to 30 people. This is located about 0.75 miles up the highway from the park.
Wilderness and Backcountry Camping
For the adventurous hiker, you can get a backcountry permit from the Visitor’s Office for free.
Things to Do at Craters of the Moon
Visit the Robert Limbert Visitor Center
If you have limited time in the park or are unsure what attractions would be best for you and your abilities, swing by the Craters of the Moon Visitor Center to talk with a park ranger. They will give you great recommendations and a list of must-sees. Also, take some time to tour the small museum and pick up a souvenir in the gift shop!
Drive the scenic Loop Road
The Loop Road is a 7-mile scenic road in Craters of the Moon that winds through the park. It takes about 30 minutes to complete the drive. Longer if you are stopping to take pictures and do some of the trails. This road also accesses the campgrounds, trails, and viewpoints listed below.
(Note: Loop Road is closed due to snow during the winter months).
Hike up Inferno Cone
The climb to the top of Inferno Cone is steep but short and rewards you with 360 views of the park below. A very worthwhile hiking spot in the park.
Tour Lava Tube Caves
One of the most prominent attractions in the park is the lava tube caves. These caves were formed by flowing lava cooling above, while magma continued to flow underneath the surface. These tubes were the lava path from the volcano's vent to the plain. Touring the inside of where magma used to flow is quite an unforgettable experience. This activity requires a free cave permit.
Hike Nature & Backpacking Trails
There are numerous other hiking trails in Craters of the Moon park suited for all levels of difficulty and experience. Some of those are:
Devil’s Orchard Nature Trail: Short and paved path that is wheelchair-accessible.
Broken Top Loop: 1.8-mile loop trail
Tree Molds Trail: 2-mile trail
North Crater Trail: 3.5-mile trail
Look Inside Spatter Cones
Just down the road from the Inferno Cone are Spatter Cones. Two of them have paved paths that hug the outside of the cone you can walk up. At the top, guardrails keep you safe (but still be careful of your step and within a safe distance of the edge) as you peer INSIDE the once active cones.
Skiing & Snowshoeing
In the bitter winter months (usually December-March), you can still visit the park but you will experience a completely different side of it! The park sets up loop trails, one for skiing and one for snowshoeing. You can learn more about these winter activities at Craters of the Moon here.
Tips & Things to Know
Check out the Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve NPS website prior to your arrival for updates on closures and weather conditions.
The entrance fee is $20/vehicle, $15/motorcycle, or $10/walk-in or bicycle. Commercial vehicles will cost more.
Because of the park’s elevation compared to its surroundings, high afternoon winds are expected. High winds can kick up dust and ash. In some areas (such as around the inferno cones), you may be more comfortable covering your mouth and nose with fabric/a mask and wearing sunglasses to shield some of the dust from getting into your face.
The park is open 24 hours! However, the Visitor Center has limited hours. This means if you arrive too late, you may not be able to visit the Visitor Center BUT you can still gain access to the park.
Visit the Robert Limbert Visitor Center. If you have limited time in the park or are unsure what attractions would be best for you and your abilities, swing by the Visitor’s Center to talk with a park ranger. They will give you great recommendations!
The Visitor Center, museum, restrooms, select campsites, and select trails are mobility-impaired accessible.
Audio and visual assistance options are available in the Visitor Center.
Nearby Attractions
Ketchum, Idaho (1hr, 15 mins)
Twin Falls, Idaho (1hr, 40mins)
Sawtooth National Forest/Stanley, ID (2hrs, 5mins)
Boise, Idaho (2hrs, 42mins)
Caribou-Targhee National Forest (3hrs, 3mins)
Yellowstone National Park (4hrs, 20mins)
Resources
Address: Craters of the Moon National Monument, 1266 Craters Loop Road, Arco, ID 83213
Phone Number: (208) 527-1300
Hours: Open 24 hours a day with seasonal holiday exceptions.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm
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