Current Conditions - Craters of the Moon

Alerts

NPS Illustration

The National Park Service is working service-wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, access to Craters of the Moon is as follows:

Visitor Center and Bookstore Open Daily

• The visitor center, bookstore, museum, and visitor center restrooms are open daily. View visitor center hours.
• Vault toilets remain open along the Loop Road at the Lava Flow Campground, Devil's Orchard, and Tree Molds parking areas.
• Passport stamps will be available in the bookstore during business hours.
• Information on 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.

Ranger Programs Offered

Ranger-led hikes are offered every day except Mondays at 10:30 am. The full schedule can be viewed on the park's event calendar. Please contact the visitor center for current conditions.

The Loop Road is Open

The Loop Road is open to motorized vehicles. Leashed pets are allowed on the Loop Road and in parking areas but not hiking trails.

Lava Flow Campground is Open

The Lava Flow Campground is currently open and is accessible to vehicles. All sites are first come, first served. The water is on for the season and comfort stations and vault toilets remain available. RV or car camping is not permitted outside of the campground.

Group Campground is Open
The Group Campground is open for the season through September 30 and is available by reservation only through Recreation.gov

Caves are Partially Open

Indian Tunnel and Dew Drop Cave are currently open. Boy Scout Cave and Beauty Cave are closed due to hazardous conditions. A free permit is required to enter the caves. Permits can only be obtained in person at the park entrance station or visitor center during business hours. The Annual, Senior, Access, and Military passes do not count as a cave permit.

Temporary Closures

Buffalo Caves are Closed through 2022

Buffalo Caves, located along the Broken Top Loop, will remain closed through 2022.

North Crater Flow Trail is Closed through 2022

North Crater Flow Trail will not open in 2022. 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. Thank you for your patience!

 

Recreate Responsibly

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 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.

 

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.

 

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