Craters Of The Moon Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Entering Craters of the Moon National Monument is like stepping onto another planet. Located in the high desert of central Idaho, this vast landscape of black solidified lava flows, scattered cinder cones, and sagebrush islands tells a violent geologic story. It is a place of stark, monochromatic beauty where the earth seemingly turned inside out just a few thousand years ago. The Great Rift, a 52-mile long crack in the earth’s crust, unleashed fountains of molten rock here, creating a weirdly wonderful terrain that Apollo astronauts once used for training.

Beyond its geology, the park offers a profound sense of solitude. The wind whistles across the sharp jagged rocks, and the silence is heavy in the deep lava tubes. Whether you are exploring the subterranean caves that maintain icy temperatures year-round or hiking up the loose cinder slopes of a volcano, Craters of the Moon offers an adventure that is distinctively rugged and undeniably American.

A Landscape Forged by Fire

What makes this destination truly unique is its relatively young age in geological terms. The most recent eruptions occurred only 2,000 years ago, leaving the lava flows fresh, sharp, and rugged. Unlike other volcanic parks where erosion has softened the landscape, Craters of the Moon remains raw. The Shoshone people spoke of a serpent on a mountain who, angered by lightning, coiled around the mountain and squeezed until liquid rock flowed, a legend that aligns beautifully with the volcanic reality.

Culturally, the nearby town of Arco adds a layer of modern history to the ancient rock. Known as the first city in the world lit by atomic power, the region blends the primal force of the earth’s core with the mid-century atomic age. This contrast between the primitive lava fields and the nuclear history of the Snake River Plain creates a fascinating backdrop for your visit.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Indian Tunnel - A massive lava tube that is partially collapsed, allowing sunlight to filter in. It is spacious and does not require crawling, making it the most popular cave for families. Located 0.2 mi from the Caves parking lot. Free with entry.

Inferno Cone - A short but strenuous hike up a pile of black volcanic cinders. The view from the top offers a 360-degree panorama of the Snake River Plain and the Great Rift. Distance is 0.5 mi steep uphill.

Spatter Cones - These miniature volcanoes were formed by blobs of sticky lava thrown into the air that piled up around the vent. A paved accessible trail takes you right to the rim to look inside. Located directly off the Loop Road.

Devils Orchard - An island of cinder and lava fragments that supports a grove of limber pines. The interpretive trail explains the delicate balance of life in this harsh environment. The loop is 0.5 mi paved.

Planning Your Visit

Craters of the Moon is remote. The nearest town, Arco, is 18 miles away, so you must come prepared. The park revolves around a 7-mile Loop Road that provides access to all major trailheads. While you can drive the loop in an hour, you should allocate at least half a day to get out of the car and explore. Cell service is spotty to non-existent within the lava fields, so download offline maps before you arrive.

Water is the most critical resource here. The dark lava rock absorbs solar radiation, creating surface temperatures that can exceed 150°F in summer. Carry at least one gallon of water per person if you plan on hiking. Furthermore, the lava is incredibly sharp, “aa” and “pahoehoe” flows will shred canvas sneakers and sandals. High-top hiking boots are strongly recommended to protect your ankles and feet.

While summer is the most popular time to visit, the shoulder seasons of late spring and early autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking the exposed black rock. Whenever you choose to visit, Craters of the Moon promises a surreal experience that challenges your perception of what Earth can look like.