• View of the Great Rift

    Craters Of The Moon

    National Monument & Preserve Idaho

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  • All roads and facilities are open

    The Visitor Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Obtain a permit before entering any authorized cave.

A Violent Past, Calm Present, and Uncertain Future...

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...

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Features

  • satellite view of Craters of the Moon

    Where in the World?

    Find out where we are and plan your visit with maps of the park and the region.

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  • cover of park newspaper

    Read All About It...

    The Great Rift Gazette is your source for news and information about summer events at Craters of the Moon.

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  • wildflower app logo

    There's an app for that!

    Download our free wildflower app to your Apple or Android device. "Like us" on Facebook or view park videos and photographs.

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  • Ranger walk

    Events

    Check the on-line events calendar for special walks, talks, and activities offered throughout the year.

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  • Bitterroot flower

    What's Blooming?

    Wildflowers bloom throughout the summer. Find out what's blooming now...

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  • school bus on Loop Road

    Outdoor Classroom

    Craters of the Moon is an out of this world outdoor classroom! Plan a field trip or link to curriculum materials that can be used at school.

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Did You Know?

kipuka

Searing lava flows that initially destroyed everything in their path today protect the last refuges of intact sagebrush steppe communities on the Snake River Plain. These islands of vegetation, known as kipukas, provide important examples of what is "natural".