Backpack the Craters of the Moon Wilderness

Backpacking is a unique way to experience the Craters of the Moon Wilderness.

Fewer than 100 visitors obtain a backcountry permit for the Craters of the Moon Wilderness each year, making this a unique wilderness experience and an excellent opportunity for quiet, solitude, and stargazing.

The Wilderness Trail

The Wilderness Trail stretches about 4 miles from the Broken Top Loop trailhead to The Sentinel.

Begin your hike at the Tree Molds parking area. Walk back along the sidewalk approximately 75 yards to the Broken Top Loop trailhead, where the trail immediately splits. Take the right fork to follow the Wilderness Trail directly along the southern edge of Broken Top cinder cone. A scenic alternative route on the way to or from the wilderness is available by following the Broken Top Loop Trail via the left fork, along the forested northern part of the cone. All caves in the park aside from Indian Tunnel and Dewdrop Cave are closed to protect bats.

After crossing the lava, the trail reconnects with the Broken Top Loop, and hikers should watch for signs to continue southeast, following the Wilderness Trail. The trail runs past Big Cinder Butte, which rises 700 feet above the trail. A half mile beyond Big Cinder Butte, look for a series of lava trees and fissures west of the trail. The trail winds between Coyote and Crescent Buttes to Echo Crater. There is no obvious trail into Echo Crater. The easiest approach is from the north side. Veer to the east through the sage brush and enter the crater from the gently sloping eastern approach. This vast crater offers protection from the sun and wind and lovely camping spot near large rocks and stands of limber pines.

The hiking trail becomes less distinct beyond Echo Crater, but can be followed as far as the Sentinel, where it disappears altogether. Cross-country travel is possible beyond that point; however, dense shrubs and uneven lava make the going slow and sometimes unpleasant. Long pants offer protection from the coarse vegetation.

Know Before You Go

• There is no reliable source of water in the Craters of the Moon Wilderness. We recommend packing one gallon of water per person per day.
• The lava can be uneven and sharp. Wear sturdy shoes and use caution, especially if traveling off-trail.
• Plan for hot, dry weather, high winds, and little to no shade.

Permits

A free permit is required for all overnight trips into the Craters of the Moon Wilderness. Permits can be obtained at the visitor center during business hours. This enables the National Park Service to monitor how many people are using the wilderness, to inform wilderness users of regulations, and to ensure the safe return of all visitors. 

Wilderness Regulations

• No wood fires are allowed. Use backpacking stoves for cooking.
• Bicycles and other mechanized equipment are not allowed.
• Pets are not allowed on any hiking trails.
• Camping is not permitted within one mile of the Tree Molds trailhead.
• In order protect the park's sensitive bat population from disturbance and the spread of white-nose syndrome, all wilderness caves are closed to public use.
• Groups are limited to 8 people.

Leave No Trace Tips

• Pack out all waste, including human waste and toilet paper.
• Good campsites are found, not made. Choose a spot where you do not need to move rocks or disturb vegetation.
• Do not collect rocks or other natural objects.
• Do not approach or feed wildlife.
• Plan ahead: know where you're going and ensure you have everything you need for a safe, enjoyable, and low-impact trip.
• Learn more about Leave No Trace principles.

Stories from Craters

Read a firsthand account of a Craters Wilderness experience by Paul Miller, 2015 Artist-in-Residence.

Details

Activity

Backcountry Camping

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are not allowed on any trails or in the backcountry. Lava rocks are rough and jagged. The surface of the dark rocks can reach 150°F (65°C) or more in the summer and quickly burns paws. Pets should never be left unattended in vehicles or the campground. Parking areas do not have shade and air temperatures can exceed 90°F (30°C) in the middle of summer.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Craters of the Moon Wilderness

Craters of the Moon's wilderness areas remain remote, undeveloped, and a sanctuary for native plants and wildlife. At over 500,000 acres, the wilderness is co-managed between the Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service.

Recreational use of the wilderness area is very limited. Fewer than 100 people per year obtain overnight camping permits for the area. The entire area is snow covered and virtually inaccessible for at least 1/3 of the year. The vast majority of overnight wilderness users hike the Wilderness Trail and camp inside of Echo Crater, located approximately 3 miles from the trailhead.

The Loop Road is the only paved road in the park. All other roads are dirt and rugged at best.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Accessibility Information

The Wilderness Trail is unpaved, rugged, and narrow in places. The trail may difficult to follow in places, particularly close to sunset or in foggy weather. Sections of trail or access to campsites may have steep grades. Access to this trail is via the Loop Road. All other roads into the park are rugged backcountry roads and may have hazards such as large rocks, deep potholes, washouts, and soft mud. Cell phone reception is poor to non-existent in wilderness areas.

Pets are not permitted on any trail or in the backcountry, but service dogs (dogs that are specially trained to perform a task for a person with a disability) may go wherever visitors are allowed.