Current Conditions - Craters of the Moon

The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis. Based on guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, access to the park is as follows:

Visitor Center and Bookstore are Open

The visitor center and Craters of the Moon Natural History Association bookstore are open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. The exhibits and theater are closed. Even though the theater is closed, you can still enjoy Craters of the Moon: The Movie! before or after your visit.

Lava Flow Campground is Open, Walk-In Only

The Lava Flow Campground opened on May 30th. Campsites are available on a first come-first served basis only in the Lava Flow Campground. As of October 15th, water has been shut off in the campground for the season due to freezing nighttime temperatures. The campground is closed to vehicles and you'll have to hike to snow camp.

Ranger Led Snowshoe Hikes- Cancelled

This winter season (December, 2020 and January through March, 2021), we will not offer weekend guided snowshoe hikes, but you can still obtain snowshoes by loan at the visitor center. Learn more about what winter is like on the moon.

Seasonal Closures

The Loop Road is Closed

Seasonal Closure: Due to recent snow and ice, the Loop Road is closed.

Group Campground is Closed
The Group Campground is closed for the season. When open, it is by reservation only through Recreation.gov.

All Caves are Closed

The park is assessing the status of the caves due to seismic activity north of the park. All caves remain closed until further notice.

North Crater Flow Nature Trail is Closed

All park trails are open except for the Caves Trail and the North Crater Flow Trail. The 0.25 mile (0.4 km) long North Crater Flow Trail is closed due to construction activities which will result in an improved trail that is universally accessible. Trails are not maintained in the winter.

 

Recreate Responsibility

While the listed areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased, and services may be limited. When recreating, please follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, and avoid crowding and high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

 

Planning Your Trip

Conditions can change rapidly this time of year. Check these sources before travelling to the park:

• Idaho Rebound (COVID-19) Plan
• Weather Forecast
• Highway Conditions
• Idaho Transportation Department Webcam This webcam provides a real-time view of U.S. Highway 20/26/93 with Big Cinder Butte in the distance. The National Park Service monument's entrance is located about 10 miles east of this view.