Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
Nature preserve · Minidoka County ·

Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

Nature preserve · Minidoka County ·

Explore otherworldly lava fields, caves, and dark skies

Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by null
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by null
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by null
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by null
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by null
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by null
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by null
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by null
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by null
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by null
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by null
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by null
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by null
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by null
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by null
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by null
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by null
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by null
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by null
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by null

Information

Idaho Get directions

Credit card accepted
Debit card accepted
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Information

Static Map

Idaho Get directions

+1 208 527 1300
nps.gov
@cratersofthemoon_nps

Features

•Credit card accepted
•Debit card accepted
•Wheelchair accessible entrance
•Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Dec 22, 2025

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28,276 Postcards · 5,516 Cities

These U.S. Spots Are the Most Overlooked Places to See the Northern Lights

"In Idaho, this Dark Sky Park boasts some of the darkest skies in the entire U.S. national park system, yet it remains an obscure spot to watch the aurora." - Lydia Price Lydia Price Lydia Price is a senior engagement editor at Travel + Leisure, where she hosts short-form videos and leads content engagement initiatives. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

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"A stark volcanic landscape in Idaho that is designated as a Dark Sky Place; its wide-open horizons and low light pollution improve the odds of catching auroral activity when major solar storms push the oval southward." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

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Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
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20 Best Places to Visit in Idaho, According to Locals

"The volcanic landscapes here are praised as “out of this world,” making the area “an awesome place for hiking or stargazing.” In summer and fall (as conditions allow) visitors can go caving in two lava tube caves, and in winter the park’s nine-mile Loop Road is closed to cars but groomed for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com.  Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

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10 Unique U.S. National Parks That Will Make You Feel Like You're on Another Planet (Video)

"In Idaho I hiked Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve and felt like I’d stepped onto another planet amid lava fields and sparse plant life; there are many trails and even some underground caves to explore, and in winter the deep snow contrasts with the cinder-black earth, making it great for skiing or snowshoeing." - Andrea Romano Andrea Romano Andrea Romano is a writer and editor in New York City. For the last eight years, she has been a lifestyle journalist for Mashable, Brit+Co, Reviewed, Bustle, and Travel + Leisure. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

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Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

Catie J.

Google
Amazing landscape. Really does feel like you're on another planet. Make sure to bring plenty of water if you are going to hike around on a hot day. There are a bunch of awesome trails and unique sights. Great spot to take the kids. The visitors center is really cool and full of information.

Clement C.

Google
It is worth making a detour and spend a few hours in Craters of the Moon. The landscape is out of this world. Listening to the ranger explaining the geology and how lava tubes and caves were formed was very interesting. There are one lava tube and one cave that are open for visit.

NiciTiciTaci

Google
More people should know about this place! It’s amazing! We were visiting the area in July 2023 and stumbled across this gem on Google maps! It’s got a campground and visitors center with water, but no water after you enter the park, so be prepared. We hiked to the top of the Inferno cone for an amazing view, explored lava tubes and caves, and enjoyed leaving about the different types of lava- like the Blue Dragon lava! It actually has blue in it! I highly recommend this totally underrated park!

Carol H.

Google
Such a unique and interesting landscape with so much to see. The drive around the loop brought beautiful views of snow capped mountains, lava flows, and gorgeous colorful wildflowers! Mid June views are lovely and the breeze made a sunny day so pleasant. Plenty of trails and caves to explore for the active folks and scenic views and resting places for the less able-bodied!

Leah J.

Google
Unusual landscape, very interesting geological area . Lots of short hikes, easy to moderate. Some steep, some accessible. Clean restrooms. Helpful staff. Nice gift shop. Not too crowded— plenty of parking, except at visitors center. $7 entry fee per vehicle or annual pass required. Can spend 30 minutes or several hours, depending on how much hiking you want to do.

Andrew C.

Google
Amazing National Park that is definitely worth visiting. Incredible lava flows, volcanoes and lava tubes. The scenic loop drive is great with several easy hikes.

Jamie T.

Google
I've been here three times at different points during the summertime and no matter when you go, it's always fun and interesting. Everytime my family has visitors, we try and take them here. Early to mid June is the best if you want to see the beautiful desert flowers in full bloom.

Michael H.

Google
This was on my list of things to do, and I'm happy I made it to the location. I saw some wildlife on the drive-in, so be mindful of this. The lava fields are amazing. Just be careful because there seem to be a lot of bees in the area, so keep some bug spray handy.