Make A Selection

Visit Official Website

Go Back a Page

Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

At Cumberland Gap, the first great gateway to the west, follow the route that the buffalo, the Native American, the longhunter, the pioneer all traveled through the mountains into the wilderness of Kentucky. Modern day explorers and travelers stand in awe at this great gateway and the many miles of trails and scenic features found in the park.

The Basics

Hours:

The visitor center is open daily 8 a.m. to 5 pm, but closed on Christmas Day.

Park grounds and picnic areas are open daily.

Address:

PO Box 29
Arco, ID 83213

Phone:

208-527-3257

Phone:

208-732-7200

Fax:

208-527-3073

Map

Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve, Idaho Map

Directions

Visitors traveling on Interstate 75 in Kentucky should exit on Highway 25E at Corbin. Cumberland Gap is located 50 miles south of Corbin on 25E.

Visitors traveling on Interstate 75 in Tennessee should exit on Highway 63 at Jacksboro/La Follette. Proceed east on Highway 63 to Highway 25E then north on Highway 25E approximately 2 miles to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.
Visitors traveling on Interstate 81 in Tennessee should exit on 25E at Morristown, Tennessee. The park is located 50 miles northwest on 25E.
The park can also be accessed from Virginia by traveling west on Highway 58 to its intersection with 25E in Tennessee.

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).

Home Page \| Advertising \| Site Map \| Contact Go-Idaho.com
Copyright 1998 - 2008