Event
Caves Area Hike - Permit Required
Fee:
Free. A free cave permit is required for all attendees and can be received from the information tent at the visitor center.Location: LAT/LONG: 43.000000, -114.000000
Meet the ranger at the Caves Area trailhead, located 4.7 miles (7.6 km) from the visitor center on the Loop Road.
Repeating Event
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Type of Event
Visitors should plan to be leaving the visitor center no later than 10:00 am and should plan for delays due to traffic and lines to get cave permits from the information tent.
Description
Join a ranger for a guided walk out to one of the largest lava tube caves in the park. Topics of discussion vary.
A free cave permit from the information tent is required for this hike.
This moderate hike lasts 45 minutes and ends at the entrance to Indian Tunnel. The trail is 0.8 miles one-way. Pets are not permitted on any of the park's trails.
In order to protect bats from white-nose syndrome, any clothing, shoes, or other items (phones, flashlights, cameras, bags, jewelry, watches, etc.) that have been worn or brought into any other cave, mine, or underground space in the past may not be brought into the caves at Craters of the Moon. This includes items that have been washed or decontaminated.
Caves vary in difficulty. Sturdy closed-toed shoes or boots, a flashlight, and water are a must. Sandals or flip flops are not appropriate footwear and do not protect your feet from sharp cave rocks and create a tripping hazard. It is strongly advised to bring a hat, light jacket, and wear long pants. Obstacles inside the caves include low ceilings, uneven flooring, dim lighting, rocks more than 18 inches, and steps more than 2 feet high. For safety reasons, all children and adults should be capable of walking in and out of the caves on their own.
Please contact the visitor center for current conditions.
More information
Reservation or Registration: No
Image Gallery
NPS Photo / Jacob W Frank