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Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

Hiking & Backpacking in Arco
Activities
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Region
Central

Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. Explore this unique landscape by driving the historic Loop Road, stopping in at the visitor center, hiking up a volcano, or exploring a lava tube cave.  In the winter, Craters of the Moon is a great location for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Stay at the Lava Flow campground and experience the night skies. Craters of the Moon was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2017, which means there will be no shortage of stars to observe.

Resources
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Four people inside a lava tunnel looking up toward the sky through an opening at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, near Arco. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
A father and a child walking along the Caves Trail together on a clear, blue day..
Caves Trail, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, near Arco. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
A woman hiking alone on a trail between green brush under sunny skies.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, near Arco. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve signage at entrance of the park with a dark sky illustration at the bottom.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, near Arco. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, near Arco. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Things to Know

  • ·        Check the National Park Service website for hours of operation, ranger programs, and other visitor information.

    ·        A free cave permit is required to enter the lava tube caves. During business hours, obtain a cave permit at the visitor center. Cave permits protect bats. Flashlights and closed-toes shoes are strongly recommended.

    ·        Two of the trails are fully accessible.

    ·        Sunscreen and a brimmed hat are recommended.

    ·        A free wilderness permit is required to spend the night in the backcountry of Craters of the Moon. During business hours, obtain a wilderness permit at the visitor center.

    ·        A filming permit is required for commercial filming or photography in the park. Contact the park for more information.

    ·        Pets are not permitted on the trails or inside the visitor center. Pets should never be left unattended in vehicles or the campground.

Location

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