Why stop here
A vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. This unique volcanic landscape was formed by Hawaiian-style fissure eruptions along the Great Rift between 15,000 and 2,000 years ago, creating one of the best-preserved basaltic lava fields in the continental United States.
Before you go
Hours, fees, access, closures, parking, and trail conditions change. Use the directions link to identify the managing agency and confirm anything time-sensitive before making a special trip.
The long version
In the heart of southern Idaho lies one of North America’s most otherworldly landscapes, a vast volcanic field that stretches across 618 square miles of twisted lava, cinder cones, and hidden caves. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve shows the raw power of volcanic forces, creating an alien terrain so convincing that NASA once trained Apollo astronauts here for lunar missions.
Craters of the Moon owes its existence to the Great Rift, a 53-mile volcanic fissure system representing one of the most dramatic examples of open rift cracks on Earth. The deepest known rift crack extends an astounding 800 feet deep, revealing the immense forces that created this landscape.
The volcanic activity spans an incredible timeframe, with lava flows ranging from 15,000 to just 2,100 years old. Eight major eruptions occurred over thousands of years, with the most recent eruption happening approximately 2,100 years ago, virtually yesterday in geological terms. Scientists expect renewed volcanic activity within the next 1,000 years, making this a living, breathing volcanic system.
This extraordinary landscape formed through the residual heat of the Yellowstone Hotspot, which was positioned under this area 10-11 million years ago. As the North American Plate moved northwest, the remaining thermal energy created extensive lava fields through basaltic fissure eruptions, a process that built the largest mostly Holocene-aged basaltic lava field in the contiguous United States.
The monument contains 60 distinct lava flows with basaltic composition reaching depths of 4,000 feet. Visitors encounter multiple lava types, including smooth pahoehoe and rough, jagged ‘a’ā formations that tell the story of different eruption conditions and cooling rates.
Twenty-five volcanic cones punctuate the landscape, with 19 cinder cones exceeding 100 feet in height. Big Cinder Butte, the tallest cone at over 700 feet, dominates the horizon like a miniature mountain. These cones, along with shield volcanoes and fissure volcanoes, create a diverse volcanic museum where visitors can observe the full spectrum of basaltic volcanic features.
Perhaps most remarkable are the lava tubes, extensive cave systems formed by flowing lava that create underground networks throughout the monument. These natural tunnels, some stretching for miles, provide cool refuges from the desert heat and unique ecosystems where specialized plants and animals thrive in perpetual darkness.
Despite its seemingly barren appearance, Craters of the Moon supports surprisingly diverse ecosystems. Lichens colonize new lava flows, serving as pioneer species that begin the slow process of soil formation. In areas with more developed soil, sagebrush communities thrive, while unique ‘kipukas’, islands of undisturbed vegetation surrounded by lava, preserve pre-eruption plant communities.
Wildlife adapts remarkably to this harsh environment. Deer and pronghorn migrate through the area seasonally, while smaller mammals find shelter in lava crevices and caves. The monument’s designation as an International Dark Sky Park in 2017 recognizes not only its astronomical significance but also its value as habitat for nocturnal wildlife.
In 1969, Craters of the Moon gained international attention when NASA selected it as a training ground for Apollo astronauts. The landscape’s resemblance to lunar terrain seemed perfect for preparing astronauts for moon walks. However, scientists later determined that the Moon’s surface differs significantly from Idaho’s volcanic landscape, making the training somewhat misdirected.
Today, the monument continues to serve scientific research as a Mars analog for geological and astrobiological studies. Scientists study microbial communities in lava tubes and examine volcanic processes that help predict future eruptions. This research contributes to our understanding of planetary formation and the potential for life on other worlds.
The 7-mile scenic loop road provides access to the monument’s main attractions, while hiking trails range from 0.3-mile easy walks to challenging multi-mile elevation climbs. The steep hike to Inferno Cone rewards visitors with panoramic views of the entire volcanic field, revealing the true scale of this geological wonder.
Cave exploration requires free permits and proper equipment, including flashlights and closed-toe shoes. The lava tubes maintain constant cool temperatures year-round, creating unique microclimates that support specialized ecosystems and provide relief from Idaho’s intense summer heat.
Craters of the Moon stands as a reminder that the Earth beneath our feet remains active and dynamic. This landscape, frozen in time yet constantly evolving through weathering and ecological succession, offers visitors a chance to witness the same volcanic processes that have shaped our planet for billions of years.
The monument represents one of the most accessible and scientifically valuable volcanic landscapes in North America, providing a unique opportunity to explore recent geological processes that continue to shape our planet, and potentially others throughout the universe.
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