Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, National Natural Landmark in Idaho, US.
The monument spans 1,117 square miles of volcanic formations, including 25 cones and three major lava fields in the Snake River Plain.
President Calvin Coolidge declared this area a National Monument on May 2, 1924, following advocacy from geologist Harold T. Stearns.
Northern Shoshone tribes established routes through the lava fields during seasonal migrations, leaving stone circles near Indian Tunnel.
The 7-mile Loop Road provides access to hiking trails, caves, and geological features, with peak visitation occurring between late spring and early fall.
The area earned International Dark Sky Park status for its minimal light pollution, creating exceptional conditions for astronomical observation.
Location: Blaine County
Location: Butte County
Inception: May 2, 1924
Operator: National Park Service
Website: https://blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/idaho/craters-of-the-moon
GPS coordinates: 43.46170,-113.56300
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:14
Idaho's remote locations offer access to diverse landscapes ranging from alpine lakes nestled in mountain ranges to volcanic formations and high desert terrain. The state contains geological features formed over thousands of years, including lava tubes that preserve ice year-round, sand dunes rising hundreds of feet, and one of North America's deepest river canyons. Historic mining towns preserve architecture from the silver boom era, while natural hot springs dot the landscape alongside waterfalls that cascade through forested valleys. These destinations span from the granite spires of City of Rocks National Reserve, where climbers tackle routes on 600-foot rock formations, to Priest Lake in the northern forests, stretching 19 miles through conifer-covered wilderness. Visitors can explore the black lava fields of Craters of the Moon, spanning over 1,100 square miles, or descend into caves where ice formations persist despite surface temperatures. The Snake River carves through Hell's Canyon at depths reaching 7,900 feet, creating opportunities for rafting and fishing. Whether hiking to Sawtooth Lake at 8,800 feet elevation, observing stars from an observatory at Bruneau Dunes State Park, or walking through the Victorian streets of Wallace, these locations provide experiences across Idaho's varied terrain.
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Robert Limbert Visitor Center
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