News Release

Winter Operations

NPS

News Release Date: November 29, 2021

Contact: Visitor Center, 208-527-1335

Arco, ID – Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve will close the Robert Limbert Visitor Center and bookstore beginning November 29, 2021. The Loop Road and trails (excluding the Caves Area and all caves) are open 24-hours per day and accessible by biking, hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing only. 

Please come prepared if you are visiting the park during this time and expect snow, ice, and winter conditions. No snow clearing will take place along Loop Road. The nearest bathroom facilities are vault toilets located at the Lava Flow Campground or at the Devil’s Orchard trailhead. RV camping is not permitted in the visitor center parking lot.

The Robert Limbert Visitor Center, bookstore, and restrooms will tentatively reopen at 9:00 am on Saturday, January 15, 2022, for the winter season. The visitor center winter hours of operation will be 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Wednesdays through Sundays, and closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Winter grooming of Loop Road will begin on a weekly basis on Thursday or Friday mornings beginning the week of January 15, 2022, depending on snowfall. 

Enjoy the groomed cross-country ski trails (snow-permitting) after January 15, 2022 or borrow snowshoes from the Craters of the Moon Natural History Association. During the winter season, walk-in snow camping is available at the Lava Flow Campground, Devil’s Orchard, Caves Area, and Tree Molds parking lots. A free backcountry permit is required and can be obtained from the visitor center 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Wednesdays through Sundays. 

Email the park for more information or call 208-527-1335.