3 Days · Teen Families
Craters of the Moon NM (Arco), Idaho
Black Rock, Wide Sky: 3 Days in Craters of the Moon
6 stops
3 Days · Young Families
Craters of the Moon NM (Arco), Idaho
Black Sand, Small Steps: 3 Days in Craters of the Moon
6 stops
3 Days · Active Retirees
Craters of the Moon NM (Arco), Idaho
Black Rock Horizons: Three Days Among Idaho's Lava Fields
7 stops
Top Attractions
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)
Craters of the Moon National Monument near Arco offers visitors a striking landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity. This page guides travelers through the monument's dramatic terrain with three carefully curated itineraries—Black Rock, Wide Sky; Black Sand, Small Steps; and Black Rock Horizons—each designed to explore Idaho's lava fields over three days. Visitors can discover six major attractions including the Visitor Center, the scenic Loop Drive, and trails such as Big Craters, Caves, North Crater, and Inferno Cone. Whether you're seeking an immersive multi-day experience or want to understand what makes this volcanic destination unique, these itineraries and attractions provide a comprehensive introduction to one of Idaho's most distinctive natural areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main attractions at Craters of the Moon?⌄
Craters of the Moon features six primary attractions: the Craters of the Moon Visitor Center, the Loop Drive Scenic Route, Big Craters Trail, Caves Trail, North Crater Trail, and Inferno Cone. These sites showcase the monument's volcanic landscape and offer visitors various ways to experience the terrain.
How long should a visit to Craters of the Moon take?⌄
Three-day itineraries are available for exploring the monument thoroughly. Options include Black Rock, Wide Sky; Black Sand, Small Steps; and Black Rock Horizons: Three Days Among Idaho's Lava Fields, each providing a multi-day framework for experiencing the area.
What trails are available for hiking?⌄
Craters of the Moon offers several trails for visitors to explore, including Big Craters Trail, Caves Trail, and North Crater Trail. The monument also features the Loop Drive Scenic Route for those preferring a driving experience.
Is there a visitor center at Craters of the Moon?⌄
Yes, the Craters of the Moon Visitor Center is available to help orient visitors and provide information about the monument's attractions and geology.