Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush
When you arrive to Craters of the Moon there are many ways to enjoy this wonderland of lava! Start at the visitor center for park maps and information, educational exhibits, and the park film. Craters’ caves and trails are all located along the 7-mile Loop Road, making it easy for visitors to see and do a lot in a short amount of time. The park is open every day of the year, but peak visitation occurs between late spring and early fall.
Location
Craters of the Moon National Monument
1266 Craters Loop Road
Arco, ID 83213
Fees
There is a $20 day pass fee for regular sized vehicles
Hike
We started our day by hiking up Inferno Cone. The steep trail to the top of Inferno Cone is challenging, but it rewards hikers with 360-degree views of the Great Rift, the Snake River Plain, and the Pioneer Mountains. On the clearest days you may even see the Teton Range, 100 miles to the east. It took us about 25 min to hike to the top of Inferno Cone, and we enjoyed the views for a while before we went back down. Be sure to wear closed toed shoes, there is a lot of loose gravel on this hike.
Lava Tubes
Next, we got back into our car and drove 5 minutes over to Devil’s Orchard Trail. There you will find the caves at Craters of the Moon which are lava tubes, formed by hot rivers of molten rock flowing beneath the surface. Today, these hollow lave tube caves provide refuge for bats and other wildlife, and two popular caves offer unique opportunities for visitors to explore a dynamic and fragile underground world. If you happen to have head lamps with you or a flash light, this is the time to bring them out. As well as good hiking shoes and lots of water. In the summer temperatures can get very warm. The trails are very well marked and will lead you right to the two different caves noted below.
Caves Trail
Follow this 1.6 mi (2.6 km) round-trip trail to access two popular caves:
Indian Tunnel
800 ft long, stairs provided at entry
EASY
Dewdrop Cave
Open, bouldered entrance
MODERATE
Next, we got back into our car and drove 5 minutes over to Devil’s Orchard Trail. There you will find the caves at Craters of the Moon which are lava tubes, formed by hot rivers of molten rock flowing beneath the surface. Today, these hollow lave tube caves provide refuge for bats and other wildlife, and two popular caves offer unique opportunities for visitors to explore a dynamic and fragile underground world. If you happen to have head lamps with you or a flash light, this is the time to bring them out. As well as good hiking shoes and lots of water. In the summer temperatures can get very warm. The trails are very well marked and will lead you right to the two different caves noted below. to have head lamps with you or a flash light, this is the time to bring them out. As well as good hiking shoes and lots of water. In the summer temperatures can get very warm. The trails are very well marked and will lead you right to the two different caves noted below. u or a flash light, this is the time to bring them out. As well as good hiking shoes and lots of water. In the summer temperatures can get very warm. The trails are very well marked and will lead you right to the two different caves noted below.
