About Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve
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.
Quick Facts
Entrance Fees
This per-vehicle fee applies to private, non-commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days. The fee covers the driver and any passengers.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.
This per-person fee provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days. Youth age 15 and under are free.
Classes or groups from accredited academic institutions may apply for a fee waiver ahead of their visit by contacting the park. Academic fee waivers are not granted automatically. Educational groups must apply and meet the two criteria to receive a fee waiver: 1) eligibility and 2) educational purpose and relevance of park resources or facilities. Groups that choose to not make a reservation or apply for an academic fee waiver will be charged the standard entrance fee per vehicle.
This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.
This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.
Operating Hours
The Loop Road is typically open from mid April through late November as conditions allow.
Activities
Getting There
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.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Entrance Passes
Annual entrance pass for Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve only. Valid for one year through the month of purchase. This pass can be purchased at the park entrance station.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Visit Craters in Winter
Tour a lava wonderland blanketed in snow. Winter visitors can enjoy skiing the groomed park road or venture into the…
Hike Devils Orchard
Enjoy an easy, 0.5 mile walk through an open limber pine woodland.
Become a Craters Junior Ranger
Earn your Junior Ranger badge for Craters of the Moon while learning about the park by completing this fun activity…
Visit the Spatter Cones
Take a short walk to view some of the park's mini-volcanoes up close and personal.
Explore a Cave
Explore Craters' dynamic underground world of lava tubes.
Stargazing at Craters of the Moon
See the night sky like never before! The natural darkness of Craters of the Moon lends to superior stargazing opportunities.
Visitor Centers
Robert Limbert Visitor Center
When open, stop by the visitor center for maps and the Craters of the Moon Natural History Association bookstore, and of course: your passport stamp!
Hours: From late spring through mid-summer, the visitor center has expanded hours, seven days per week from 8:30 am to 6 pm.
Campgrounds
Lava Flow Campground
The Lava Flow Campground is a 42-site campground accessible by automobile from May through November depending on snow conditions. All sites are available on a…
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