Sunshine and Michelle Loveless

A Spontaneous Detour to Craters of the Moon

During this road tour we’re all for spontaneous detours that lead to epic adventures, and discovering Crater’s of the Moon National Monument & Preserve after leaving Salt Lake City, blew our minds and our van doors wide open! This hidden gem wasn’t on our 6-month itinerary or our radar, but we happened to see it on Google Maps as we made our way from Salt Lake to Boise so we made a small detour to Arco, Idaho and spent 24 hours exploring this unique natural wonder!

This blog is your guide to discovering the other-wordly landscapes of Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve in Arco, Idaho. From fascinating volcanic features to lava tubes and spatter cones, this unique natural attraction is (in our opinion) one of the most underrated National parks that you NEED to add to your bucket list.

The Unique Geology of Craters of the Moon

Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve isn’t your typical national park. Volcanic activity over the past 15,000 years has carved a unique terrain of lava flows, cinder cones, and lava tubes. The park’s name is inspired by its lunar-like appearance, which made it an ideal training ground for NASA astronauts in 1969. To learn more about its fascinating history, explore the park’s website.

Today, you can experience the desolate beauty of Craters of the Moon by camping, hiking, and exploring its unique geological formations. During our visit, we hiked up cinder cones, peered into spatter cones, ventured into deep lava tubes and caves, camped under a star studded sky in our Vandoit, and explored the visitor center to learn about the park’s history and geology. As a designated International Dark Sky Park, Craters of the Moon National Monument boasts some of the darkest skies in the country – perfect for stargazing enthusiasts like us!

Must-Do Activities:

• Spatter Cone Exploration: Walk along paved paths leading to the rim of these once-active cones and peer into their fiery depths.
• Robert Limbert Visitor Center: Get park recommendations, explore the museum, get a permit to enter the lava tubes/caves and grab souvenirs.
• Loop Road Scenic Drive: This 7-mile route winds through the park, offering access to viewpoints, trails, and campgrounds.
• Inferno Cone Hike: Challenge yourself with a short but steep climb to the top for breathtaking 360-degree views.
• Lava Tube Caves: Embark on an unforgettable journey through these fascinating geological formations. Free permits are required for cave exploration.
• Hiking Trails: Choose from various trails catering to all skill levels, including Devil’s Orchard (wheelchair accessible), Broken Top Loop, Tree Molds Trail, and North Crater Trail.

Getting There:

• Car is the most convenient way to access the park.
• The closest major airport is in Boise (BOI), with smaller regional airports in Hailey (SUN), Twin Falls (TWF), and Idaho Falls (IDA). Rent a car from any of these locations for your adventure. 
• Rent a Nomad Be Happy Campervan in Salt Lake City (3.5 hours away)
• Guided tours from Twin Falls are available for those who prefer a hands-off experience.

Where to Stay:

• Campgrounds within the park offer a unique way to immerse yourself in the volcanic landscape. Choose from Lava Flow Campground (open May-November) or backcountry camping with a permit. We stayed at Lava Flow Campground in our Vandoit and loved it!
• Nearby towns have limited lodging options so consider these charming towns for a comfortable stay:
  • Hailey (1 hour drive)
  • Idaho Falls (1.25 hours)
  • Twin Falls (1.4 hours)

Pro Tips:

• Visit the Park’s website for the latest updates on closures and weather conditions.
• Pack your National Parks Pass or be prepared for the entrance fee. Entrance fees: $20/vehicle, $15/motorcycle, $10/walk-in or bicycle.
• Be prepared for high winds and dust, especially in the afternoons. Consider bringing a mask and sunglasses for protection. (the wind blasted us on our late afternoon hike to the caves)
• The park is open 24/7, but the Visitor Center has limited hours.
• Restrooms, select campsites, and trails cater to visitors with mobility impairments.
• Audio and visual aids are available in the Visitor Center.
• As always, be sure to practice Leave No Trace Principles.

Nearby Attractions:

• Ketchum, Idaho (1.25 hours)
• Sawtooth National Forest/Stanley, ID (2 hours)
• Boise, Idaho (2.7 hours)
• Salt Lake City (3.5 hours)
• Yellowstone National Park (4.3 hours)

Resources

• Address: Craters of the Moon National Monument, 1266 Craters Loop Road, Arco, ID 83213
• Phone Number: (208) 527-1300
• Hours: Open 24 hours a day with seasonal holiday exceptions.
• Website: https://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm