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National Monument & Preserve

Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

CautionMay 21, 2026

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A close-up shot of a folded, waving sea of lava rock, with mountains in the far distance.

Craters of the Moon features the largest young lava field in the lower 48 states, encompassing the entire Great Rift volcanic zone.

Photo: NPS / David Hunter

About

Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. We invite you to explore this "weird and scenic landscape" where yesterday's volcanic events are likely to continue tomorrow.

Activities

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingCampingBackcountry CampingCavingHikingBackcountry HikingJunior Ranger ProgramSkiingCross-Country Skiing
Snowshoeing
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store
Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Directions

Visitor Center and Loop Drive are located 18 miles southwest of Arco, Idaho on U.S. Highway 20/26/93, 24 miles northeast of Carey, Idaho on U.S. Highway 20/26/93, 84 miles from Idaho Falls, and 90 miles from Twin Falls. Physical address is 1266 Craters Loop Road(Lat/Long: 43° 27.711'N/113° 33.7) Access to the main visitor use area is via a paved highway. Unpaved roads provide additional access to the BLM monument and NPS Preserve but should only be utilized by four wheel drive and high clearance vehicles.

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Weather

Weather at Craters of the Moon is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. In February, average snow depth ranges from 26 inches at the north end of the monument to just 2 inches at the south end. Intense summer sun bakes the black lava, generating surface temperatures of 170°F and air temperatures in the 90s. Drying winds are a daily occurrence, especially in the afternoon, and may reach 15 to 30 miles per hour.

News

Four southern Idaho national parks welcomed a combined total of more than 430,000 recreation visits in 2025
May 21, 2026

Four southern Idaho national parks welcomed a combined total of more than 430,000 recreation visits in 2025

Four southern Idaho national parks welcomed a combined total of more than 430,000 recreation visits in 2025, including a record number of recreation visits to the Minidoka National Historic Site.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle$20.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$15.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan$25.00
Entrance - Per Person$10.00