Trip Idea

One Day or More: Craters of the Moon

Multiple Parks

a dark, chunky lava flow in front of a black cinder cone with patches of pine trees and sagebrush
Duration Full Day
Topic(s) Geology, Night Sky, Rock Landscapes and Features, Scenic Views, Trails, Volcanoes, Wilderness, Caves, Caverns and Karst, Fossils and Paleontology, Astronomy more »
Activities Backcountry Camping, Caving, Hiking, Stargazing
Type Active, Relaxed, Solitary/Remote, Outdoors, Group Friendly
Parks Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve
Ways to Explore
  • Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

    Backpack the Craters of the Moon Wilderness
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Backcountry Camping
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Craters of the Moon Wilderness
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    A hiker with a large backpack traverses a lava field.

    Immerse yourself in the solitude of the Craters of the Moon Wilderness.

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  • Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

    Explore a Cave
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Caving
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Caves Area
    • Duration: 60–90 Minutes
    • Season: Summer, Fall
    A person walks down a set out stairs into the wide open entrance of a lava tube.

    Explore Craters' dynamic underground world of lava tubes.

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  • Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

    Hike the North Crater Trail
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: North Crater Trailhead or Spatter Cones Parking Area
    • Duration: 90–120 Minutes
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    A hiker with a large backpack walks on a cinder trail toward a large volcanic cone.

    This strenuous 3.5-mile trail drops into the mouth of North Crater.

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  • Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

    Hike Broken Top Loop
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Tree Molds Parking Area
    • Duration: 60–90 Minutes
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    A narrow road winds through a volcanic landscape to a small parking area.

    Find a variety of unique volcanic features on this moderate-difficulty 1.8 mile loop.

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  • Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

    Hike the Tree Molds Trail
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Tree Molds Trailhead
    • Duration: 60–90 Minutes
    • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
    dark rock featuring the impression of two fallen tree trunks

    This 2-mile trail winds through the Craters of the Moon Wilderness and features molds of ancient trees encased in lava.

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  • Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

    Stargazing at Craters of the Moon
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Stargazing
    • Pets: Yes with Restrictions
    • Time of Day: Night
    a person standing on a rock silhouetted against the milky way

    See the night sky like never before! The natural darkness of Craters of the Moon lends to superior stargazing opportunities.

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Last updated: August 4, 2024