Craters of the Moon National Monument
Explore a surreal volcanic landscape of lava fields, cinder cones, and caves that feels like another planet.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a surreal volcanic landscape of lava fields, cinder cones, and caves that feels like another planet.
"It really does feel like you're on another planet!"
🎒 Pack Extra Water!
No water in the park! Carry more than you think you'll need, especially for hikes.
🔦 Bring a Flashlight
Essential for exploring the dark lava tubes. Headlamps are even better!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Inferno Cone
Scenic Loop Drive
Hike to the summit for panoramic views of the vast, volcanic landscape. It truly feels like another planet!
Lava Tubes
Various locations along the Scenic Loop
Explore the cool, dark interiors of ancient lava tubes. Remember to bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes!
Scenic Loop Drive
Park Entrance
A 7-mile drive offering access to numerous trailheads, viewpoints, and geological wonders.
Blue Dragon Lava Flow
Trailhead near visitor center
Witness a unique lava formation that, under certain light, exhibits a subtle blue hue.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hydration is Key
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack Extra Water!
No water in the park! Carry more than you think you'll need, especially for hikes.
🔦 Bring a Flashlight
Essential for exploring the dark lava tubes. Headlamps are even better!
👟 Sturdy Footwear is a Must
Lava rock is uneven and sharp. Protect your feet on trails and in caves.
🚗 Scenic Loop Drive
This 7-mile drive is the main artery, connecting most attractions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack Extra Water!
No water in the park! Carry more than you think you'll need, especially for hikes.
🔦 Bring a Flashlight
Essential for exploring the dark lava tubes. Headlamps are even better!
👟 Sturdy Footwear is a Must
Lava rock is uneven and sharp. Protect your feet on trails and in caves.
🚗 Scenic Loop Drive
This 7-mile drive is the main artery, connecting most attractions.
✨ Visit After Dark
The park is a designated International Dark Sky Park. Incredible stargazing!
🗺️ Visitor Center Info
Great place for maps, ranger advice, and learning about the geology.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Craters of the Moon for its truly unique, otherworldly landscape that feels like stepping onto another planet. The accessible lava tubes and the panoramic views from Inferno Cone are major highlights, along with the exceptional stargazing opportunities. Some note the lack of amenities and the need for self-sufficiency, but the overall sentiment is that it's an underrated gem worth the visit.
"Amazing landscape. Really does feel like you're on another planet. Make sure to bring plenty of water if you are going to hike around on a hot day. There are a bunch of awesome trails and unique sights. Great spot to take the kids. The visitors center is really cool and full of information."
Catie Juday
"Amazing place, don't miss it, short drive from Boise, Pocotello or even Yellowstone Park. Great staff, easy to get to, nice parking lots, detailed and informative information on the site, and nice solid walkways to look around.
It seems like they took a lot of time to make this site memorable. Then we have the views!!! Don't miss, it's definitely another world."
Sarah Pearce
"More people should know about this place! It’s amazing! We were visiting the area in July 2023 and stumbled across this gem on Google maps! It’s got a campground and visitors center with water, but no water after you enter the park, so be prepared. We hiked to the top of the Inferno cone for an amazing view, explored lava tubes and caves, and enjoyed leaving about the different types of lava- like the Blue Dragon lava! It actually has blue in it! I highly recommend this totally underrated park!"
NiciTiciTaci
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The monument is located in central Idaho. The closest major airport is in Idaho Falls (IDA), about a 1.5-hour drive away. From Idaho Falls, take US-20 West towards Arco. The park entrance is well-marked. Some visitors mention Arco's motel isn't the best, suggesting Idaho Falls as a better base if not camping.
Yes, Craters of the Moon is a significant drive from Boise, approximately 3-4 hours one way. It's often visited as a detour or part of a larger Idaho road trip.
It's a long day trip, about 4-5 hours one way from the West Yellowstone entrance. Many visitors opt to stay overnight in the area or visit as part of a multi-day itinerary.
Driving is the primary way to access different areas of the park. The 7-mile Scenic Loop Drive connects most of the major points of interest, with parking available at trailheads and viewpoints.
No, there are no shuttle services within the monument. You will need your own vehicle to explore the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee per vehicle. You can purchase passes at the visitor center or online in advance. An America the Beautiful Pass is also accepted.
The monument is open year-round, but services and facilities, including the visitor center, have seasonal hours. Always check the official NPS website for the most current information.
Yes, there is a visitor center that provides maps, exhibits on the area's geology, and ranger program information. It's a great starting point for your visit.
Yes, there is a campground within the monument. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Access to the main lava tubes and trails within the monument is included with your entrance fee. No additional tickets are required for these areas.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Popular hikes include the Inferno Cone Trail for panoramic views, the Caves Trail to explore lava tubes like the Indian Tunnel, and the Broken Top Loop. The trails are generally moderate but can be rugged.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Layers are recommended as temperatures can change. Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and a jacket, even in summer.
While you can't literally walk on the moon, the volcanic landscape here is so unique and otherworldly that it's often described as feeling like you're on another planet!
Absolutely! Kids often love exploring the lava tubes and the unique volcanic formations. The visitor center also has engaging exhibits.
The Blue Dragon lava is a specific type of basaltic lava flow found in the monument that can appear to have a blueish tint under certain lighting conditions, making it a unique sight.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food services or restaurants within the monument itself. It's essential to bring your own food and snacks.
The nearest town with dining options is Arco, which has limited choices. Idaho Falls offers a wider variety of restaurants and is about a 1.5-hour drive away.
Yes, picnic areas are available. It's a great way to enjoy a meal surrounded by the unique volcanic landscape. Remember to pack out all your trash.
Potable water is available at the visitor center, but there is no water available once you enter the park or along the scenic loop. Bring all the water you'll need.
📸 📸 Photography
The Inferno Cone summit offers incredible panoramic shots. The lava tubes provide dramatic, moody lighting. The general volcanic landscape and cinder cones are also highly photogenic. 
Yes! Craters of the Moon is an International Dark Sky Park, making it an exceptional location for astrophotography. The lack of light pollution provides stunning views of the Milky Way.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. For lava tubes, a tripod and a light source (like a headlamp) are essential for long exposures.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light that enhances the textures of the lava fields. Midday can be harsh, but the starkness also has its own appeal. Nighttime is perfect for stars.
Drone usage is restricted in National Parks and Monuments to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the official NPS regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no services within the park. The visitor center has informative exhibits that can engage children, and the relatively short trails make it manageable for families. The Blue Dragon lava is also a fun detail to point out.
🌌 Stargazers & Astrophotographers
Bring your camera gear, especially a tripod and wide-angle lens, to capture the stunning celestial displays. The unique volcanic terrain offers dramatic foregrounds for your shots. Consider visiting during a new moon for the darkest skies.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
It's a worthwhile detour if you're traveling between major destinations like Boise and Yellowstone. Be prepared for limited services by packing all your food and water. Even a few hours here will leave you with a memorable experience of this unique volcanic landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Lava Tubes
Popular tubes like the Indian Tunnel and Lewiston Lava Tube are accessible via marked trails. Visitors are strongly advised to bring their own light source, such as a headlamp or flashlight, as these areas are completely dark. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are also a must due to the uneven and often sharp volcanic rock underfoot. Some tubes require a bit of scrambling over rocks, adding to the adventure.
Remember that these are natural environments. Stay on marked trails, do not disturb any formations, and be mindful of other visitors. The cool, stable temperatures inside the tubes can offer a welcome respite from the summer heat, making them a perfect escape.
Geology and Volcanic History
The landscape is characterized by vast expanses of pahoehoe and aa lava, cinder cones, spatter cones, and the aforementioned lava tubes. The volcanic rock here, primarily basalt, is similar to that found on the Moon, Venus, and Mars, making the monument a valuable site for planetary science research. Scientists study the formations here to understand volcanic processes on other celestial bodies.
Understanding this geological history enhances the visitor experience. The Visitor Center provides excellent exhibits and ranger talks that explain the formation of the monument, the different types of lava, and the unique ecosystems that have adapted to this harsh environment.
Stargazing and Dark Skies
Visitors can experience the night sky from various viewpoints along the Scenic Loop Drive or from the campground. The stark, volcanic landscape provides a dramatic foreground for astrophotography. On clear nights, the sheer number of visible stars can be overwhelming and awe-inspiring, truly adding to the 'otherworldly' feel of the monument.
While any clear night is good for stargazing, checking the moon phase is recommended for the darkest skies. The park often hosts ranger-led astronomy programs during the summer months, which are highly recommended for those wanting to learn more about the cosmos.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit