Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve
ID
Park Alerts (1)
About Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve
Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. We invite you to explore this "weird and scenic landscape" where yesterday's volcanic events are likely to continue tomorrow.
Things To Do
Showing 6 of 11
Visit Craters in Winter
Tour a lava wonderland blanketed in snow. Winter visitors can enjoy skiing the groomed park road or venture into the park on snowshoes.
Hike Devils Orchard
Enjoy an easy, 0.5 mile walk through an open limber pine woodland.
Become a Craters Junior Ranger
Earn your Junior Ranger badge for Craters of the Moon while learning about the park by completing this fun activity book.
Visit the Spatter Cones
Take a short walk to view some of the park's mini-volcanoes up close and personal.
Explore a Cave
Explore Craters' dynamic underground world of lava tubes.
Stargazing at Craters of the Moon
See the night sky like never before! The natural darkness of Craters of the Moon lends to superior stargazing opportunities.
Available Activities
Weather
Weather at Craters of the Moon is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. In February, average snow depth ranges from 26 inches at the north end of the monument to just 2 inches at the south end. Intense summer sun bakes the black lava, generating surface temperatures of 170°F and air temperatures in the 90s.
Drying winds are a daily occurrence, especially in the afternoon, and may reach 15 to 30 miles per hour.
Getting There
Visitor Center and Loop Drive are located 18 miles southwest of Arco, Idaho on U.S. Highway 20/26/93, 24 miles northeast of Carey, Idaho on U.
S. Highway 20/26/93, 84 miles from Idaho Falls, and 90 miles from Twin Falls. Physical address is 1266 Craters Loop Road(Lat/Long: 43° 27.
711'N/113° 33.7) Access to the main visitor use area is via a paved highway. Unpaved roads provide additional access to the BLM monument and NPS Preserve but should only be utilized by four wheel drive and high clearance vehicles.
Plan Your Visit
Let Roamze help you plan the perfect trip to Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve with AI-powered itineraries.
Start PlanningHours
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
The Loop Road is typically open from mid April through late November as conditions allow.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
This per-vehicle fee applies to private, non-commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days. The fee covers the driver and any passengers.
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.
Entrance - Per Person
This per-person fee provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days. Youth age 15 and under are free.
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
Classes or groups from accredited academic institutions may apply for a fee waiver ahead of their visit by contacting the park. Academic fee waivers are not granted automatically. Educational groups must apply and meet the two criteria to receive a fee waiver: 1) eligibility and 2) educational purpose and relevance of park resources or facilities. Groups that choose to not make a reservation or apply for an academic fee waiver will be charged the standard entrance fee per vehicle.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.
Commercial Entrance - Van
This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.
