Nestled in the remote expanse of central Idaho’s Snake River Plain, Craters of the Moon National Monument is a hidden gem. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, this eerie and fascinating landscape truly lives up to its name, with vast fields of hardened lava, cinder cones, and rugged terrain that feels like stepping onto another planet. 

The Monument was established on May 2, 1924, and was later expanded by President Clinton in 2000. By 2002, it gained the designation of Craters of the Moon National Preserve, further protecting its unique ecosystem and geological features.

In July 2020, my husband, our girls, and I took an unplanned detour to Craters of the Moon during our epic 6,000-mile road trip. We hadn’t originally intended to visit, but after rerouting due to the riots in Seattle and Portland, we found ourselves exploring this surreal landscape. 

It may have been a spontaneous stop, but we have no regrets (okay, there is one, but we’ll get into that)—it turned out to be a fantastic experience in the middle of nowhere!

Getting to Craters of the Moon

When Driving

Craters of the Moon National Monument is easily accessed from U.S. Highway 20/26/93. The main entrance is 24 miles northeast of Carey, Idaho, and 18 miles southwest of Arco, Idaho. Keep an eye out for signs along the highway that mark the park’s boundary and the turn onto the park road.

It’s essential to note that digital navigation can be unreliable in this area and may direct you down unpaved roads leading to remote, undeveloped areas. To avoid this, enter the address for the Robert Limbert Visitor Center (1266 Craters Loop Road, Arco, ID 83213) into your GPS or navigation app. This ensures you’re routed correctly to the visitor-friendly parts of the park, all accessible via paved roads.

For reference, the park entrance is located at:

Latitude: 43° 27.711’N

Longitude: 113° 33.791’W

I highly recommend starting your visit at the Robert Limbert Visitor Center. 

The staff here can provide valuable tips for exploring the monument safely. For those planning to venture into the more remote areas of the preserve managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), additional preparation is needed, including a high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicle.

By Plane

The closest airports are located in Hailey, Idaho (60 miles), Idaho Falls, Idaho (84 miles), and Twin Falls, Idaho (90 miles), providing convenient options for those flying into the region.

Where to Stay Near Craters of the Moon

Lava Flow Campground at Craters of the moon

If you enjoy camping, I highly recommend staying within the National Monument itself at the Lava Flow Campground. It’s conveniently located near the visitor center and close to many of the park’s best hikes. The campground is open for vehicle access from April or May until November, depending on when the Loop Road opens and closes. During the winter months, you can still camp here by hiking in from the visitor center and snow camping with a free permit.

To claim a campsite, leave a personal item at your desired site. Then, register and pay for it at the automated fee machine using a credit card (no cash or checks are accepted). 

Campsites cost $15 during the regular season, $8 in the off-season, and they’re free from December through March. Don’t forget to place your registration receipt in the box on the campsite post.

Arco Inn Motel

For a more traditional stay, the Arco Inn Motel is about 19 miles from Craters of the Moon. It’s basic but clean, with WiFi available. Since it’s a family-run motel, there’s a good chance you will likely interact with the owner during your stay, adding a personal touch to your visit.

Moose Crossing RV Park

Located approximately 35 minutes from the monument, Moose Crossing RV Park offers a greater variety of accommodations, including RV sites and two tiny homes available for rent. Both cabins come equipped with WiFi, refrigerators, and microwaves, and you’ll also have access to a convenience store, gas grills, and a picnic area. 

It’s a cozy option for those looking for a balance between comfort and outdoor adventure.

When is the Best Time to Visit Craters of the Moon?

Spring (March–May):

Spring is a wonderful time to explore Craters of the Moon on foot or by bike. 

While the Loop Road remains closed to vehicles, it’s open for hiking and biking, allowing you to experience the monument’s quiet solitude without the summer crowds. 

This is also the best time to catch the wildflower bloom, with vibrant colors peaking from late May to mid-June. 

Temperatures are cooler, making for a comfortable outdoor adventure, but you’ll want to dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable.

Summer (June–August):

For full access to Craters of the Moon, summer is your best bet. 

The Loop Road is now open to vehicles, and all trails are accessible, allowing you to explore the park in its entirety. However, with full accessibility comes the heat—temperatures can soar during the day, so be prepared with plenty of water, sun protection, and perhaps an early start. 

One of the best benefits is that summer offers long days for exploring the park’s stunning volcanic landscapes.

Fall (September–November):

Like spring, fall is a quiet time at Craters of the Moon, with the Loop Road once again closed to vehicles but open to hikers and cyclists. 

The cooler weather is perfect for outdoor activities, and the landscape takes on a rugged beauty as the season changes. 

Fall is a great time for those seeking solitude and fewer crowds, along with excellent hiking and biking opportunities. 

Be aware, though, that temperatures can drop quickly, especially at night.

Winter (December–February):

For a unique experience, visit Craters of the Moon in winter when the landscape is transformed into a snowy wonderland. 

The Loop Road is groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, offering a peaceful way to explore the monument’s frozen beauty. However, you should note that snow clearing does not occur on the trails, so off-trail areas may present challenges such as pits and jagged rocks. 

Bundle up and enjoy the crisp air and pristine snow, but always prepare for the extreme conditions that winter can bring (if that’s your style, freaks).

What to Pack for Craters of the Moon

Comfortable Shoes:

The park’s terrain is mainly rocky and uneven, so wearing good, supportive hiking shoes is essential. Ensure they’re broken in to avoid blisters and that they provide good traction for the rugged landscape.

Water:

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the park’s dry, open areas. Pack plenty of water, and consider bringing a refillable bottle or hydration pack to reduce your carbon footprint. Remember, there are limited spots to refill water, so come prepared.

Sunscreen, Hat, and Sunglasses:

Sun protection is a must! There’s very little shade in the park, so apply sunscreen liberally, and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the intense sunlight.

Food:

Since there are no dining options within the park, bring your own meals and snacks to fuel your adventure. High-energy, portable foods like trail mix, sandwiches, and fruit are great options for a day of exploration.

Flashlight or Headlamp:

If you plan on exploring the park’s fascinating caves, a flashlight or headlamp is essential. These caves can be quite dark, and having reliable lighting will make your exploration both safer and more enjoyable.

Clothing:

Your clothing choices should vary depending on the time of year. In the summer, lightweight and breathable clothing will keep you cool, while fall and spring call for layers that can be adjusted throughout the day. Winters can be frigid, so bundle up with insulated layers, a warm hat, and gloves. Always be prepared for temperature shifts and windy conditions.

A Good Camera and Tripod:

For those hoping to capture the stunning night sky, pack a good camera and tripod. Craters of the Moon is an International Dark Sky destination, meaning you’ll have a great chance to photograph the stars and even the Milky Way on a clear night.

Cave Permit:

If you’re planning to explore the lava tubes, you’ll need a free cave permit, which can be obtained at the visitor center. This ensures you’re following the park’s protocols for protecting the caves and the bats that live there.

Binoculars:

While not essential, binoculars can enhance your experience by allowing you to spot distant features or wildlife, including birds and the occasional elk in the area.

First Aid Kit:

It’s always wise to pack a small first aid kit when venturing outdoors, especially in remote locations like Craters of the Moon. A kit with basics like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers will come in handy in case of minor scrapes or blisters.

Things To Do at Craters of the Moon National Monument

Start at the Robert Limbert Visitor Center

A visit to Craters of the Moon should begin at the Robert Limbert Visitor Center, where you can gather everything you need for an enriching day in the park. Start by picking up a park map to help guide you along the trails and points of interest. 

Inside, the museum exhibits offer an engaging look at the park’s volcanic features and history.

If you’re collecting National Park stamps, don’t forget to stamp your passport book here. 

Planning to explore the lava tube caves? This is where you’ll obtain your free cave permit after a brief screening to protect the local bat population from White-nose Syndrome. 

The visitor center also features educational films about the park’s unique landscape, along with seasonal ranger programs, guided walks, and evening talks that offer fascinating insights into the area’s geology and ecology. 

There is a small park store where you can purchase books, maps, and souvenirs to commemorate your visit. Convenient amenities, such as restrooms and water stations, are available to ensure you’re prepared for a day of adventure. 

The staff at the information desk is always ready to help with questions, recommendations, and updates on the weather. Open year-round, the visitor center operates daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM in summer, and from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM in winter, though it closes on major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Hike the Inferno Cone Trail

The Inferno Cone Trail may be short at just 0.4 miles (0.8 km), but don’t let its length fool you—this steep hike offers a serious challenge. 

Make sure to take your time on the climb and bring water, as the trail is exposed with no shade. 

The ascent can feel tough, but it is well worth the effort. Once you reach the summit, you’re treated to sweeping 360-degree views of the Great Rift, the vast Snake River Plain, and the stunning Pioneer Mountains. 

On particularly clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the Teton Range, located 100 miles to the east.

Though the trail is steep, it’s an excellent option for hikers seeking a quick adventure with a payoff. The views from the top are a highlight of any visit to Craters of the Moon, giving you a true sense of the scale and beauty of this otherworldly landscape.

Explore Craters of the Moon Loop Road

Craters of the Moon’s Loop Road may be a short drive, but the landscapes you’ll encounter are like nothing you’ll find anywhere else in Idaho. 

The road winds through the preserve, offering stunning views of the unique volcanic terrain, which makes for a slow and scenic journey. We took our time, traveling slowly enough that I was even able to hop on the back of our van and capture some of the incredible sights on film!

Starting at the Robert Limbert Visitor Center, the Loop Road connects you to several key areas of the park, including trailheads for hikes and a parking area for exploring the lava tube caves. 

Be sure to pull over at the designated viewpoints and trailheads to appreciate the beauty of the landscape. 

Exploring the Caves at Craters of the Moon

Craters of the Moon National Monument is home to five fascinating caves that you can explore on your own. 

The trailheads for these caves are accessible from the one-way Loop Road. 

Buffalo Cave, the first of the caves, can be reached via the spur road that leads to the Tree Molds Trail and Broken Top Loop Trail. The other four caves are located along the Caves Trail near the end of the Loop Road.

Before entering the caves, be sure to come prepared. 

A headlamp and flashlight are essential, as it gets extremely dark inside, and temperatures can be pretty chilly; bringing a jacket is also a good idea.

Additionally, wearing a helmet for protection is recommended, especially in Buffalo Cave, which the NPS rates as difficult due to its tight, rocky entrance and low ceilings that require crouching or crawling in certain sections.

Please note: To protect the delicate cave ecosystem and the local bat populations, visitors must obtain a free permit from the Robert Limbert Visitor Center before entering any of the caves. 

This is especially important due to the threat of White-nose Syndrome, a fungal disease that has caused over 7 million bat deaths in the U.S. since 2005. While humans aren’t at risk, we can unintentionally carry the fungus on clothing or shoes, making it crucial to follow park regulations to help preserve these unique environments.

Don’t Miss the Night Sky

Craters of the Moon is an International Dark Sky Park—a designation that recognizes some of the best stargazing locations in the world. 

Sadly, we missed the opportunity to take full advantage of this during our visit. We arrived late in the day, so we set up camp, ate dinner, and went to sleep early (something rare for Brandon). Looking back, it’s one of my few regrets from the trip.

The park’s remote location, far from city lights, makes it an ideal place to see the Milky Way and a dazzling array of stars. On a clear night, the sky here is breathtaking, as the pictures I’ve seen attest. 

If you’re camping or even staying nearby, make it a priority to head outside once the sun sets—just look up and take it all in. Bring a telescope or binoculars if you have them, or simply lie back and enjoy the view with your naked eyes.

As for our sadness when we realized what we had missed? Don’t worry—we got a second chance later on our trip. We stopped at Joshua Tree National Park, another incredible Dark Sky destination, and made sure to soak in the night sky there. 

Still, if you’re at Craters of the Moon, don’t make the same mistake we did—stay out late, watch the stars, and make it a magical part of your visit. Then come back on here and rub it in my face, will you?

Final Thoughts on Craters of the Moon National Monument

Craters of the Moon National Monument offers a one-of-a-kind adventure for those seeking to explore a landscape that feels like it’s not in the United States, or on Earth for that matter.

From hiking the steep Inferno Cone Trail to driving the scenic Loop Road and venturing into the dark, mysterious caves, there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring experiences waiting around every corner. 

Our family’s unplanned visit to Craters of the Moon turned out to be a highlight of our road trip, offering an unforgettable mix of adventure and discovery. The sense of solitude and otherworldly beauty make this destination well worth a detour. 

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