Last updated: October 12, 2023
Thing to Do
Hike the North Crater Trail
Trail length: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) round-trip
Elevation gain: 758 ft (231 m)
This strenuous trail traverses North Crater and drops into the crater mouth, the vent for the North Crater flow. The trail continues to the rim of Big Craters before descending to the Spatter Cones. For your safety and to protect fragile lava formations, off-trail travel is not permitted at the Spatter Cones or Big Craters areas.
Start your hike at either end of the trail. The northern trailhead is located just a few hundred feet up the park road from the adjacent North Crater Flow Trailhead, and the southern trailhead is located at the Spatter Cones parking area, branching off from the Snow Cone walkway. Hike out and back, or arrange to be picked up or dropped off at one end for a shorter trip.
Elevation gain: 758 ft (231 m)
This strenuous trail traverses North Crater and drops into the crater mouth, the vent for the North Crater flow. The trail continues to the rim of Big Craters before descending to the Spatter Cones. For your safety and to protect fragile lava formations, off-trail travel is not permitted at the Spatter Cones or Big Craters areas.
Start your hike at either end of the trail. The northern trailhead is located just a few hundred feet up the park road from the adjacent North Crater Flow Trailhead, and the southern trailhead is located at the Spatter Cones parking area, branching off from the Snow Cone walkway. Hike out and back, or arrange to be picked up or dropped off at one end for a shorter trip.
Details
Duration
90-120 Minutes
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are not allowed on any trails or in caves. Lava rocks are rough and jagged. The surface of the dark rocks and asphalt 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 (32°C) in the middle of summer.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
North Crater Trailhead or Spatter Cones Parking Area
The northern trailhead is located along the Loop Road, less than a mile from the visitor center. Parking is a few hundred feet south of the larger North Crater Flow parking area.
The southern trailhead is located at the Spatter Cones parking area, also on the Loop Road, about 2.5 miles from the visitor center. RV parking is available.
The southern trailhead is located at the Spatter Cones parking area, also on the Loop Road, about 2.5 miles from the visitor center. RV parking is available.
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Accessibility Information
TRAIL LENGTH: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) round-trip
CUMULATIVE ELEVATION CHANGE: gain 758 ft (231 m), loss 510 ft (155 m)
TYPICAL GRADE: 7.5° (13.4%)
64% of trail is from 4.5° to 43° (8% to 94%)
Standard wheelchair ramp is 4.5° (8%)
TYPICAL CROSS SLOPE: 2.5° (4.2%)
28% of trail is from 4.5° to 48.5° (8% to 113%)
TYPICAL TREAD WIDTH: 44 in (111 cm)
MINIMUM TREAD WIDTH: 18 in (46 cm)
TRAIL SURFACE: Gravel-like cinders and lava rock
90% of trail is FIRM or HARD, 10% of trail is PAVED
OBSTRUCTIONS: ROCKS to 10 inches, RUTS to 16 inches, STEPS to 19 inches
WARNING: There is one uprooted tree along the trail that restricts vertical clearance to 54 inches. Trail conditions may have changed since this trail was assessed. Temporary obstructions may include downed trees and rock fall. Maximum grades and cross slopes may vary by 10% or more.
CUMULATIVE ELEVATION CHANGE: gain 758 ft (231 m), loss 510 ft (155 m)
TYPICAL GRADE: 7.5° (13.4%)
64% of trail is from 4.5° to 43° (8% to 94%)
Standard wheelchair ramp is 4.5° (8%)
TYPICAL CROSS SLOPE: 2.5° (4.2%)
28% of trail is from 4.5° to 48.5° (8% to 113%)
TYPICAL TREAD WIDTH: 44 in (111 cm)
MINIMUM TREAD WIDTH: 18 in (46 cm)
TRAIL SURFACE: Gravel-like cinders and lava rock
90% of trail is FIRM or HARD, 10% of trail is PAVED
OBSTRUCTIONS: ROCKS to 10 inches, RUTS to 16 inches, STEPS to 19 inches
WARNING: There is one uprooted tree along the trail that restricts vertical clearance to 54 inches. Trail conditions may have changed since this trail was assessed. Temporary obstructions may include downed trees and rock fall. Maximum grades and cross slopes may vary by 10% or more.