Craters of the Moon is a haunting, otherworldly landscape where ancient lava flows have sculpted an alien terrain across Idaho's high desert. Vast fields of jagged basalt, cinder cones, and deep caves create a stark beauty that feels more Martian than earthly. Whether you're hiking the rim of a volcanic crater or descending into cool underground passages, this remote monument offers a visceral connection to the planet's raw geological power.
Key Attractions
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Big Craters Trail
A moderate 2.4-mile loop trail that descends into craters and traverses across fractured lava fields, offering intimate views of spatter cones and the dramatic geology that earned this landscape its otherworldly reputation. This trail provides a more challenging alternative to North Crater Trail with rewarding crater-floor perspectives.
Photo by Mattingly Marinaccio on Pexels
Caves Trail
Andrew Heneen / wikimedia (CC BY 4.0)
Craters of the Moon Visitor Center
The park's interpretive hub featuring exhibits on volcanic geology, regional ecology, and human history of the remote Idaho high desert, providing essential context for understanding the unique ecosystems and formation of this 43,243-acre volcanic preserve. A must-visit starting point for first-time visitors seeking geological education.
Photo by Mattingly Marinaccio on Pexels
Inferno Cone
United States. Bureau of Land Management United States. Bureau of Land Management. Idaho State Office United States. Department of the Interior. Office of the Secretary / wikimedia (Public domain)
Loop Drive Scenic Route
A stunning 7-mile paved loop drive offering panoramic vistas of the volcanic landscape with multiple pullouts showcasing the otherworldly terrain of ancient lava flows and cinder cones. Perfect for visitors seeking dramatic photography opportunities and geological perspective without strenuous hiking.
Photo by Mohan Nannapaneni on Pexels
North Crater Trail
Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA / wikimedia (CC BY-SA 2.0)