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Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve Photo

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

Mailing Address
Box 29
Arco, ID 83213

  • Phone: (208) 527-1335
  • Fax: (208) 527-3073
Nearest City: Arco
Location: Central Idaho, 18 mi. SW of Arco on Hwy. 20/26/93
Directions: 18 mi. SW of Arco on Hwy. 20/26/93

Information

Described as a "weird and scenic landscape", Craters of the Moon certainly lives up to its reputation. It was established in 1924 to preserve the unique volcanic features of this enormous lava field. The 750,000-acre monument contains a diverse array of volcanic features including volcanic rifts, cinder cones, spatter cones, shield volcanoes and lava tubes (caves). A surprising number of plants and animals have adapted to live in the harsh volcanic and high desert environment. It is an excellent site for hiking, bird watching, photography, backpacking and caving. The monument is cooperatively managed by the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management. Summer activities include guided cave walks and evening programs at the campground. Winter activities include Winter Ecology Workshops, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. School groups are welcome to visit the monument and curriculum resources for teachers are available on our website. Teachers' workshops are also offered.

Season: All Year
Hours: Visitor Center: Memorial Day-Labor Day, 8am-6pm; Winter: 8am-4:30pm, closed winter holidays; Park open 24 hours.

Fees: Visitor Center: Free; $8 per car into park. Accepts America the Beautiful, The National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass, Golden Age Pass and Golden Access Pass

Facilities

Campsites , Gift Shop , Handicap Access , Motor Coach Parking , Parking , Restrooms , Vault Toilets , Visitor Center

Location

* Location marker is based on the item's address. May not represent the actual location.