Below you will find helpful information about Craters Of The Moon.
Visitor Center
The Robert Limbert Visitor Center is open year-round, except for federal holidays in winter. Recently remodeled, the facility contains exhibits explaining the natural and cultural history of the area.
Loop Drive
The monument's main drive is a seven-mile loop which takes visitors by a handful of trailheads, where a short walk will take you to the most interesting sights of the park. The drive itself is not too remarkable, and the trails, ranging in length from a few hundred feet to several miles, are the best way to view what the park has to offer.
Park trails meander by hardened lava flows, to volcanic vents, into craters or up to their rims for panoramic views, into lava tunnels, and through caves. Interpretive signs coupled with brochures from the Visitor Center contain information about volcanic and geothermal activity, the Great Rift on which the area sits, and how scientists measure and catalogue lava flows and the different formations they cause.
Allow for several hours to experience one or two interesting trails, or all day to hike one of the longer trails and experience the stark solitude of the monument's vast backcountry.
Backcountry
The backcountry area of Craters of the Moon National Monument was recently extended to include several hundred square miles of lava flows to the south and west of the original monument's boundaries. This is unforgiving terrain, with little or no natural sources of water or shelter, but for those who come prepared the stark beauty of the lava fields is hauntingly beautiful.
A free backcountry permit is required for overnight stays in the monument, and can be obtained at the Visitor Center.
Other Information
The park entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. The Visitor Center is open from 8am to 6pm during summer, 8am to 4:30pm during winter, and is closed on winter holidays.
