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Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

Since its establishment in 1924, Creators of the Moon National Monument and Preserves has lived up to its reputation as a bizarre and scenic landscape. The 750,000-acre enormous lava field conserves volcanic rifts, caves, and cider cones, but also a great amount of beautiful plants and animals. Come and discover this amazing landscape, where past volcanic events might continue tomorrow!

The Basics

Hours:

The visitor center is open daily 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. (8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial day through Sept. 27) but closed on federal holidays during the winter.

Park grounds and picnic areas are open daily.

Address:

PO Box 29
Arco, ID 83213

Phone:

208-527-1300

Phone:

208-732-7200

Fax:

208-527-3073

Map

Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve, Idaho Map

Directions

18 miles southwest of Arco, Idaho on Highway 20/26/93, 24 miles northeast of Carey, Idaho on Highway 20/26/93, 84 miles from Idaho Falls, and 90 miles from Twin Falls.

Climate

High Desert Climate with average high temperatures during the summer around 80° fahrenheit and average low temperatures in the winter in the teens. Elevation at the visitor center is 5,900 feet.

Link to our Idaho Falls Weather coverage for more information.

Link to our Sawtooth National Recreation Area Weather coverage for more information.

Link to our Sun Valley / Ketchum Weather coverage for more information.

Link to our Twin Falls Weather coverage for more information.

Seasons

The Monument and Preserve remains open all year, although winter snows prevent automobile access around the Loop Drive from mid-November through mid-April. During the open period the road remains open at all hours.

Fees

$8 per vehicle, bicycle, motorcycle or foot $4 per person.

Things To Do

Craters of the Moon is a volcanic wonderland that is fun to explore. Below are some suggested itineraries based on the amount of time that you may have for a visit:

Start at the Visitor Center for informative exhibits, films and advice from staff. (15 min.)

SPRING/SUMMER & FALL ACTIVITES

Additional 30 minutes:

Take in the view along the scenic 7 mile loop drive.
Additional 1 hour:
Hike the North Crater Flow trail, Spatter Cones and Devil's Orchard Trails.

Additional 2 hours:

Hike to Big Craters from the Spatter Cones parking lot.
Explore Indian Tunnel.

Half day:

Hike the Broken Top Loop or Tree Molds Trails.

Full day:

Explore the Craters of the Moon Wilderness (Lava Trees and Echo Crater).

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