Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve Superintendent's Compendium

In accordance with the delegated authority provided in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR), Chapter I, parts 1 through 5, authorized by Title 54 United States Code § 100751, the following regulatory provisions apply to the management, protection, and public use of all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. They do not apply to lands and waters administered by the Bureau of Land Management within the boundaries of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter I, parts 1 through 5. To enhance readability, the remainder of this document will reference the applicable Title, Part, Section, and Subsection only (for example, 36 CFR, 2.13(a)(1), while omitting the Chapter, I).

The regulations contained in 36 CFR parts 2 through 5 shall not be construed to prohibit administrative activities conducted by the National Park Service, or its agents, in accordance with approved general management and resource management plans, or in emergency operations involving threats to life, property, or park resources (36 CFR § 1.2(d).

This compendium supersedes all previous releases, which are rescinded.

Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the superintendent’s use of discretionary authority, as required, appear in this document identified by italicized print.

Approved by: Wade Vagias, Superintendent
May 15th, 2025

 

Relevant CFR Sections

Note: The following CFR sections are paraphrased for consolidation, understandability, or pertinence. To see the entire CFR, go to https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-36/chapter-I.
This is not a complete, comprehensive list of all CFR sections, rather it is a list of the CFR sections that have been identified to be the most relevant to the management of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. All CFR sections, not just the ones listed here, apply to management of the park.

 

36 CFR, Part 1 - General Provisions

 

36 CFR § 1.4 - What terms do I need to know?

Note: The following definitions are those deemed most relevant to the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve Compendium. Additional definitions are available in 36 CFR § 1.4.

 

36 CFR § 1.5 - Closures and Public Use Limits

The authority for a park superintendent to establish a reasonable schedule of visiting hours, impose public use limits or close all or a portion of a park area to all public use or to a specific use or activity is found in 36 CFR §1.5(a)(1). The following park-specific restrictions are also based upon 36 CFR, parts 1 through 7 to protect park resources, visitors and employees. In accordance with 36 CFR §1.7 the public will be notified of all restrictions, closures, designations and permit requirements by one or more of the following methods: signs, maps, brochures, publication in local newspaper, or other appropriate methods, as well as within this compendium.

 

36 CFR § 1.6 - Permits

36 CRF § 1.6(a) When authorized by regulations set forth in this chapter, the superintendent may issue a permit to authorize an otherwise prohibited or restricted activity or impose a public use limit.

36 CFR § 1.6(f) A compilation of activities requiring a permit shall be maintained by the superintendent and available to the public upon request. For more information about specific activities that require a permit, see Part 2, Part 4, and Part 5.

 
Permit information
Special regulations, restrictions and fees may apply when applying for a special use permit. Information regarding permits is available at park headquarters during normal business hours or calling 208-527-1300 or can be found on the park website at https://www.nps.gov/crmo/planyourvisit/permits-reservations.htm

Federal law and agency regulations and policy require that certain activities that fall outside the scope of normal visitation be managed through the issuance of permit. Permits may only be issued if the activity is in keeping with the purpose of the park and will not cause damage to the resources or conflict with other park users. Permits may be denied/terminated based on 36 CFR 1.6(a), (d), (e), (g)(1), (g)(2), and/or (h) or applicable NPS policy.
 

36 CFR, Part 2 – Resource Protection, Public Use, and Recreation

 

36 CFR § 2.1 - Preservation of Natural, Cultural, and Archaeological Resources

 

36 CFR § 2.2 – Wildlife Protection

 

36 CFR § 2.4 – Weapons, Traps, and Nets

 

36 CFR § 2.5 – Research Specimens

 

36 CFR § 2.10 – Camping and Food Storage

 

36 CFR § 2.11 – Picnicking

 

36 CFR § 2.12 - Audio Disturbances

 

36 CFR § 2.13 – Fires

 

36 CFR § 2.14 - Sanitation and Refuse

 

36 CFR § 2.15 - Pets

Possessing a pet is permitted in the following areas if restrained on a leash less than six feet in length: 
  • On fully paved roads, on the paved sidewalk between the visitor center and the Lava Flow Campground, and in the Lava Flow Campground.
  • Designated pet relief area near the visitor center. 

 

36 CFR § 2.16 - Horses and Pack Animals

 

36 CFR § 2.17 - Aircraft and Air Delivery

 

36 CFR § 2.19 - Winter Activities

 

36 CFR § 2.20 - Skating, Skateboards, and Similar Devices

 

36 CFR § 2.21 - Smoking

 

36 CFR § 2.22 - Property

 

36 CFR § 2.23 - Recreation Fees

The current amount of all fees are posted on the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve website.

 

36 CFR § 2.31 - Trespassing, Tampering, and Vandalism

 

36 CFR § 2.35 – Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substances

36 CFR § 2.35(c) Presence in a park area when under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance to a degree that may endanger oneself or another person, or damage property or park resources, is prohibited.

 

36 CFR § 2.37 - Noncommercial Soliciting

 

36 CFR § 2.38 - Explosives

 

36 CFR § 2.50 – Special Events

 

36 CFR § 2.51 - Demonstrations and Designated Available Park Areas

 

36 CFR § 2.52 - Sale of Printed Matter and The Distribution of Printed Matter and Other Message-Bearing Items

The term “printed matter” means message-bearing textual printed material such as books, pamphlets, magazines, and leaflets, provided that it is not solely commercial advertising. The term “other message-bearing items” means a message-bearing item that is not “printed matter” and is not solely commercial advertising. Other message-bearing items include but are not limited to: Readable electronic media such as CDs, DVDs, and flash drives; clothing and accessories such as hats and key chains; buttons; pins; and bumper stickers.

 

36 CFR § 2.61 - Residing on Federal lands

 

36 CFR § 2.62 - Memorialization

 

36 CFR, Part 4 – Vehicles and Traffic Safety

 

36 CFR § 4.11 - Load, Weight, and Size Limits

 

36 CFR § 4.21 - Speed Limits

 

36 CFR § 4.30 - Bicycles

 

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve Superintendent's Compendium continues here.

Last updated: August 13, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
1266 Craters Loop Road
P.O. Box 29

Arco, ID 83213

Phone:

208 527-1300

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