Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve
Protected park · ID, USA
Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve in ID, USA. Operated by National Park Service.
Usual hours
- Mon–Sun 0:00–0:00
About
This park's official page lists: Pet-friendly (leashed).
Entrance / day-use fee applies.
This park's official page lists: Store / concessions.
At the park
- Visitor center
- Caves & caverns
- Stargazing
- Wildlife & bird watching
Before you go
- Limits
- Anyone who is interested in visiting the caves must obtain a free cave permit from the visitor center in-person during business hours
- Limits
- Pets are not allowed on any trails in the park or in buildings or caves, even if they are carried
- Limits
- Drones and other unmanned aircraft are not permitted at Craters of the Moon as per the Superintendent's Compendium
- ⚠ Park closure: Park Bookstore Update
- The park bookstore is currently transitioning to a new partner. The park is working to identify and establish a new bookstore provider, and additional information will be shared as it becomes available. Due to this transition, a bookstore with items for purchase will not be in service until a new partner is established. Thank you for your patience during this transition.
- ⚠ Caution: Navigation
- Please do not rely upon GPS digital navigation systems to find your way to Craters of the Moon. Please note that the Robert Limbert Visitor Center at 1266 Craters Loop Road is located just off U.S. Highway 20/26/93 and is not accessed via any unpaved roads.
- 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.
- Weather & when to go
- 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.
Facilities on the park map
4 bench, 1 picnic area.