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Craters Of The Moon National Monument |
Description:
Established in 1924, the monument celebrated its 75th birthday in 1999. The Craters of the Moon Lava Field covers 618 square miles and is the largest young basaltic lava field in the conterminous United States. The monument preserves 83 square miles of it for the enjoyment of present and future generations. The park contains more than 20 volcanic cones including outstanding examples of spatter cones. There are 60 different lava flows on the surface, and they range in age from 15,000 to just 2,000 years old. There are excellent examples of pahoehoe, semihoe, aa, and block lava, as well as rafted blocks, tree molds, lava tubes, and many other volcanic features. The north end of the monument contains a portion of Goodale's Cutoff, which is part of the Oregon Trail.
Although a desolate looking place, the park thrives with wildlife. More than 350 species of plants and 43 mammals can be found in the park and more than 160 different species of birds have been seen here. The 7 mile loop drive provides a unique view. Hiking trails range from 1/4 to 11 miles round trip.
Designations:
Craters of the Moon National Monument (May 2, 1924)
Accessibility:
Visitor Center is wheel chair accessible including restrooms.
Deveil's Orchard Trail is a 1/2 mile wheelchair accessible loop trail. Campground Restroom is accessible.
Getting Around:
No public transportation.
Activites:
Auto_Touring | Biking | Camping | Educational Programs | Hiking | Wilderness Area | Wildlife Viewing | Backpacking | Bird Watching | Nature Walks | Stargazing | Cross Country Skiing | Snowshoeing | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Picnic Areas | Comfort Stations | Museum Exhibits | Tours & Guided Activities | And more.
Nature: Volcanoes | Caves | And more.
Directions to Craters Of The Moon National Monument
Plane:
Nearest airports are located in Hailey, Idaho (60 miles), Idaho Falls, Idaho (84 miles), and Twin Falls, Idaho (90 miles)
Car:
18 miles west of Arco, Idaho on Highway 20/26/93, 24 miles east of Carey, Idaho on Highway 20/26/93, 84 miles from Idaho Falls, and 90 miles from Twin Falls.
Public Transportation
None
Attractions:
Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Phone:208-727-5000
Salmon-Challis National Forest
Salmon District Bureau of Land Managemnet
Phone:208-756-5400
Land of the Yankee Fork Historic Area
Phone:208-879-5244
EBR-I
Phone:208-526-0050
Nearby Parks:
Yellowstone National Park (200 miles)
Grand Teton National Park (190 miles)
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument (460 miles)
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