Field Trips

Snow School

Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

students on snowshoes — Snow School is in session!

Overall Rating

Description

Snowshoe with a Ranger and learn about how wildlife adapts to winter conditions. We have enough snowshoes for about 30 students and the walks are suitable for third graders and up.

Reservations and Dates

Tuesday through Friday in January and February. Contact staff to make a reservation:
208-527-1335
email

Weather

Winter weather at Craters of the Moon, at 5,900 feet elevation, is often quite different from what it is in Boise, Idaho Falls, Pocatello or Twin Falls.Craters of the Moon is usually colder, receives more snow and can be quite windy at times. The program is subject to cancellation due to severe weather such as sub-zero temperatures, blizzard conditions or extreme wind-chill. Contact park staff prior to your visit to get the latest update.

What to Bring

We provide the snowshoes.
Warm waterproof boots with wool or synthetic socks are essential!
Dress in layers so you are prepared for varying weather conditions:

Long underwear- top & bottom
Pants- loose fitting, wool or synthetics such as fleece
Upper body- wool or polyester fleece/pile shirt or sweater/jacket
Windbreaker layer- must be highly breathable because snowshoeing is aerobic
Winter hat or stocking cap that protects your ears
mittens/gloves

Environmental Considerations

Due to limited parking and to model energy conservation, we strongly suggest limiting support vehicles to one per bus and consolidating passengers to as few vehicles as possible for schools that visit without bus transportation.
Idling of vehicles is not permitted in the park. Please help to keep our air clean by turning off vehicles when stopped. Bus drivers are welcome in our warm and comfortable visitor center.
Please bring trash bags to sort plastic, glass, and metal cans when you have lunch. Have students place the material to be recycled in the recycle bins in the parking lot. Only put garbage in the waste bins.

Itinerary

10:30 a.m. Arrive at Craters if the Moon Visitor Center. Use the restrooms and join Ranger for classroom session on winter ecology.

11:30 a.m. Lunch (bring your own; outlet and hot water available) and track activity

12:00 p.m. Snowshoe Walk (1.5 miles)

1:30 p.m. Depart

Lesson Plans

Prepare for Cold Air is an excellent classroom activity to prepare your students for a winter visit to Craters of the Moon.

Winter Track Mystery is a post-visit classroom activity designed to bring the learning adventure back to the classroom.