If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to walk on the moon—without leaving Earth—Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho is the place to go. This unique and mysterious landscape was formed by volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. Today, it looks like a frozen river of black lava, dotted with caves, cinder cones, and strange rock formations. Whether you’re a nature lover, a geology fan, or just looking for something truly different, this national monument offers an unforgettable experience.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Craters of the Moon National Monument—its history, geology, wildlife, things to do, and tips for visiting. Get ready for a journey to one of the most otherworldly places in the United States.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is located in south-central Idaho. Covering over 750,000 acres, this massive park is a protected area of ancient lava flows, cinder cones, and volcanic features. It was designated as a national monument in 1924 by President Calvin Coolidge and later expanded and partially converted into a preserve in 2000.
The name may sound like science fiction, but the landscape really does resemble the moon’s surface. In fact, astronauts from the Apollo missions even trained here in the 1960s to prepare for lunar exploration.
While the lava flows may look lifeless, the area has a rich human and natural history. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have lived near the area for thousands of years, and they used the lava fields for hunting and gathering.
European explorers began visiting the area in the early 1800s, but it wasn’t until geologists began studying the lava fields in detail that the scientific importance of Craters of the Moon became widely known.
When it was established as a national monument, it only covered about 54,000 acres. Over time, the protected area grew as scientists and conservationists recognized its unique geological features.
The monument lies along the Great Rift, a series of deep cracks in the Earth’s surface that stretch over 50 miles. These cracks allowed lava to erupt directly from the Earth without forming a classic cone-shaped volcano.
The volcanic activity began around 15,000 years ago, with the most recent eruptions happening about 2,000 years ago. Over time, lava poured out of the ground and spread across the plains, creating a dark, twisted terrain.
There are three main types of lava flows found here:
All of these can be seen throughout the park, making it a fantastic natural laboratory for geologists.
This 7-mile paved loop road is the perfect introduction to the monument. It offers access to most of the main attractions and provides stunning views of the volcanic terrain.
There are several short but rewarding hiking trails:
One of the most exciting things to do at Craters of the Moon is exploring the lava tube caves. These underground tunnels were formed by flowing lava and later emptied out. Popular caves include:
Note: You need a free cave permit (available at the visitor center) to explore the caves.
Before heading out, stop by the Robert Limbert Visitor Center. Here you can watch a short film, view exhibits on volcanic activity, and pick up maps and information.
Craters of the Moon is open year-round, but the best time to visit is spring through early fall (May to September). Here’s why:
Winter visits are possible, but much of the monument becomes snow-covered and only accessible by cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
Though it looks like a barren wasteland, Craters of the Moon is full of life. Over 200 species of plants and 300 animal species have been recorded here.
Some species have uniquely adapted to survive in the harsh lava environment, making the ecosystem surprisingly diverse.
If you want to stay overnight, the monument has a 53-site campground near the visitor center. It’s first-come, first-served and offers:
No electricity or RV hookups are available.
For more comfort, nearby towns like Arco or Hailey offer motels, lodges, and vacation rentals.
Craters of the Moon National Monument is unlike any other place in America. It offers a chance to walk through ancient lava flows, crawl through caves, and climb cinder cones while surrounded by a surreal and haunting landscape. Whether you’re a photographer, hiker, scientist, or traveler looking for something new, this hidden gem in Idaho will leave a lasting impression.
It’s not just a stopover; it’s a destination. So next time you’re planning a trip to the American West, make sure to include Craters of the Moon National Monument on your list.
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