• View of the Great Rift

    Craters Of The Moon

    National Monument & Preserve Idaho

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • All roads and facilities are open

    The Visitor Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Obtain a permit before entering any authorized cave.

Things To Do

Craters of the Moon is a volcanic wonderland that is fun to explore. Below are some suggested itineraries based on the amount of time that you may have for a visit:

Start at the Visitor Center for informative exhibits, films and advice from staff. (15 min.)

*A Cave Permit is required before entering any cave on National Park Service lands. Obtain a permit at the Entrance Station, or the Visitor Center, to enter Indian Tunnel, Dew Drop, Beauty, Boy Scout or Buffalo Caves. All other caves are closed to recreational caving.

WINTER ACTIVITIES

SPRING/SUMMER & FALL ACTIVITIES

Additional 30 minutes:

  • Take in the view along the scenic 7 mile loop drive.

Additional 1 hour:

  • Hike the North Crater Flow trail, Spatter Cones and Devil's Orchard Trails.

Additional 2 hours:

  • Hike to Big Craters from the Spatter Cones parking lot.
  • Explore Indian Tunnel.*

1/2 day:

  • Hike the Broken Top Loop or Tree Molds Trails.

1 day (or longer):

  • Explore the Craters of the Moon Wilderness (Lava Trees and Echo Crater).
 
  • visitors on a guided cave walk
    People
    10 Photos

  • 7 mile loop road 7 mile loop road

    Tour the loop Read More

  • Camping Camping

    Find out about our campgrounds... Read More

  • Visitor Center Visitor Center

    Operating hours and information Read More

  • Hiking Trails Hiking Trails

    Find out about our trails Read More

Did You Know?

potato

Vast quantities of water stored by the lava rock aquifer below the Eastern Snake River Plain provides for critical human needs throughout southern Idaho...including those famous potatoes!