Current Conditions - Craters of the Moon

Alerts

 

Visitor Center and Bookstore Open Thursday Through Monday

  • The visitor center, bookstore, museum, and visitor center restrooms are open Thursday through Monday. Review the visitor center hours.
  • Snowshoes are not available to borrow from the visitor center at this time.
  • Be prepared for your visit. Snow and ice may be present on the road and trails at any time.
  • Vault toilets are open along the Loop Road and are found at the Lava Flow Campground, Devils Orchard, and Tree Molds parking areas. Flush toilets and drinking water are available in the visitor center when open.
  • Check the local weather forecast before driving to the park. The park is open 24 hours but temporary closures of the highway may occur due to winter storm conditions.
  • Passport stamps are available in the bookstore during business hours. You can also email the park, and we can mail you copies of the passport stamps.
  • Information on hiking trails and other things to do can be found online and on the free National Park Service app. Cell service is very limited inside the park, so we recommend downloading the app and saving Craters of the Moon for offline use before you arrive.
  • The full park film, Craters of the Moon: The Movie, is available online as well as other short videos on our multimedia page.

Loop Road Closed to Vehicles but Has Not Been Groomed

The Loop Road is closed to vehicles but open to hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and skiing. The road does not typically reopen to vehicles until mid- to late April. Pets are permitted on the road but not on hiking trails. Keep pets leashed at all times, and always pick up after them.

Winter grooming has not taken place on the Loop Road. This page and web alerts will be updated as conditions change.

 
illustration of several bats hanging from a cave ceiling with a caver shining light on text that reads "cave permits protect bats"

NPS Illustration / S Lacy

Lava Flow Campground Is Open to Walk-in Tent Camping Only

The Lava Flow Campground is closed to vehicles for the season and open to walk-in tent camping only. A free permit from the visitor center is required to camp. The water has been turned off for the season and comfort stations are closed. Vault toilets are available 24 hours. RV or car camping is not permitted at the visitor center.

All Lava Tube Caves are Closed for the Season

All lava tube caves are closed for the season and are typically open late May through October as conditions allow. When open, a free cave permit is required to enter the caves. Cave permits protect bats. Permits can only be obtained in person at the visitor center during business hours.

The Annual, Senior, Access, and Military passes do not count as a cave permit.

 

Temporary Closures

Cave Closures During 2024

Buffalo Caves, located on the Broken Top Loop, is closed. In the Caves Trail area, Boy Scout Cave and Beauty Cave are closed. All other caves in the park remain closed. These caves are closed to protect bats and due to environmental conditions. Help protect bats by respecting closures.

Planning Your Trip


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

 
mountains and text that says recreate responsibly

Recreate Responsibly

When recreating, please follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces to 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. Idaho Rebound (COVID-19) Plan

 

Current Conditions at the Robert Limbert Visitor Center

Last updated: March 18, 2024

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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

Contact Us