Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

About Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve is a national monument & preserve located in Idaho. 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.

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.

💰 Entrance Fees & Passes

General entry to Entrance - Education/Academic Groups is free. General admission passes are not required.

🥾 Things to Do

Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Astronomy, Stargazing, and 18 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.