Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Black lava, cinder cones, tubes, tree molds, and kipukas reveal a young volcanic rift that has erupted repeatedly rather than one ancient crater.
Artwork inspired by Robert Limbert
Craters is a landscape of overlapping basalt flows from the Great Rift. Begin at the visitor center, then use the loop road and short trails to distinguish ʻaʻā from pāhoehoe, spatter cones from cinder cones, and lava tubes from surface channels. Pale lichen and island-like kipukas show how life returns unevenly across flows of different ages.
The exposed lava amplifies heat and wind, while tube access can require a free cave permit and screening to protect bats from white-nose syndrome. Carry water, sturdy soles, a light, and warm layers for caves; never step onto fragile crust or collect rock. Winter closes the loop road to vehicles but creates a quieter snow route.
- System
- Great Rift volcanic zone
- Latest eruptions
- About 2,100 years ago
- Allow
- Half to full day
Quick guide
- Best focus
- Visitor center geology
- Compare
- Flows, cones, tubes, and kipukas
Read Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve as a connected landscape
- Opening question
- Learn the Great Rift and major lava textures inside.
- Visitor center geology
- Use the loop to compare flows rather than chase one viewpoint.
- System at work
- Get required cave screening and carry independent lights.
- Conditions check
- Stay off fragile crust, vegetation islands, and closed caves.
Good to know
The monument is high, dry, and more physically demanding than its short trails suggest. Cave openings can close seasonally or for bat protection; check conditions before arrival, and do not rely on phone flashlights underground.
Notice these
- Great Rift volcanic zone
- About 2,100 years ago
- Use the loop to compare flows rather than chase one viewpoint.