Craters of the Moon
National Monument

Craters of the Moon National Monument was set aside back in 1924 to preserve the unique volcanic features. The Craters of the Moon Lava Field is the largest (618 sq. miles) basaltic, dominantly Holocene (last 10,000 years) lava field in the conterminous United States. The monument which protects 83 square miles of the field provides a stunning array of volcanic features and is literally an outdoor classroom. The features include: lava flows such as pahoehoe, aa, and blocky; cinder cones; spatter cones; rafted blocks; and lava tubes (caves). It hosts a fascinating number of plants and animals adapted to live in the harsh volcanic and high desert environment.

VISITATION:

Highest in July and August; lowest in December and January.

LOCATION:

18 miles west of Arco, Idaho.

ADDRESS:

P.O. Box 29
Arco, ID 83213

TELEPHONE:

(208) 527-3257

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

The visitor center is open daily, summer: 8:00 AM to 6 PM; during spring, fall and winter: 8 AM to 4:30 PM (closed Winter Holidays).

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Summer, average high temperature 84 F, low 51 F; winter, average high temperature 31 F, low 12 F; precipitation, average 17 inches per year. Wear sturdy boots for hiking. Water is only available at the visitor center and the campground. A flashlight is required to explore lava tubes (caves), and a hat recommended. Bring sun-screen and sunglasses. In winter bring layers.

DIRECTIONS:

Follow highway 93/26/20 west 18 miles from Arco, Idaho to the park entrance.

TRANSPORTATION:

To Park: There is no public transportation available.


In Park: There is no public transportation available; rental vehicles are available in Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Pocatello, and Hailey.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

Entrance fee: vehicle, $4.00; individual, $2.00; camping, $10.00 per site, per night.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center/Exhibits: The visitor center is located at the park entrance; information, exhibits, book sales outlet. An on-line version of the Natural History Association's publications catalog is available.

Trails, Roads: There is a seven mile loop drive through the monument, and numerous trails from 1/4 to 8 miles round trip.

Programs/Activities: Summer - regularly scheduled guided walks and programs.

Lodging and camping facilities: Fifty-two site campground with restrooms, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and scattered water taps. No hookups. No wood fires allowed.

Food/supplies: Snack and pop machines available at visitor center.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:A book store managed by the Craters of the Moon Natural History Association is located in the visitor center.

Accessibility: Visitor center is accessible. Barrier-free trail at Devil's Orchard (one-half mile in length).

Special Needs: Road and parking areas will accommodate commercial buses and recreational vehicles.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Summer/spring/fall--hiking, self-guided trails, wildlife and plant viewing, photography,sight seeing, caving, and backpacking in the wilderness. Winter-- cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, telemarking, skate skiing, photography, observing animal tracks in snow.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Call the Park at (208) 527-3257 Extension 302 to make a reservation for a school orientation. Please refer to our 5th/6th Grade or High School Teacher's Guides. Back country use permits required. Reservation for Lavaflow Campground not accepted - first come basis.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Summer--A visit of three hours allows sight-seeing at major sites. Allow 1 or more full days to experience all of the hiking trails and scheduled programs. Stop at the visitor center for advice. Spring/Fall/Winter--stop at visitor center for trail and safety information.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:

Learn more about the monuments history.

In 1999, Craters of the Moon National Monument is celebrating its 75th Anniversary.

During the summer of 1999, until mid-August, guided tours will be given at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM daily. Evening programs are given at the campground amphitheater at 9:30 PM daily. Special Saturday programs will also be given in celebration of the 75th Anniversary.

VISITOR IMPACTS:

Visitors are encouraged to stay on the trails to prevent damage to fragile rock surfaces. Some areas are closed to off-trail use--please check at the visitor center.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Sawtooth National Recreation Area-USFS.

Craters of the Moon National Monument is part of the Columbia Cascades Cluster




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Last Updated:Monday, 30-Aug-99 19:17:19
http://www.nps.gov/crmo/