Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
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Craters of the Moon National
Monument & Preserve |
Contact Information:
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
18 miles W of Arco on Hwy 20
P.O. Box 29, Arco, ID 83213
208-527-3257
http://www.nps.gov/crmo/
Size: 410,000 acres (park) and 304,727 acres (preserve)
Location: In south-central Idaho, 18 miles west of Arco and 24 miles east of Carey on Hwy. 20/26/93; 84 miles from Idaho Falls and 90 miles from Twin Falls.
Description: The Craters of the Moon Lava Field covers 618 square miles and is the largest young basaltic lava field in the coterminous United States. The monument preserves 83 square miles of it, and features more than 20 volcanic cones including outstanding examples of spatter cones. The more than 60 different lava flows on the surface range in age from 15,000 to just 2,000 years old. Surprisingly, this seemingly desolate landscape is home to more than 350 species of plants, 160 species of birds, and 43 mammals.
Activities: The Visitor Center, which is open daily from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., contains a museum with exhibits explaining the natural and cultural history of the area. Daily interpretive programs are offered during the summer months, including cave hikes, evening talks and walks, nature hikes, and junior ranger programs. There is a 52-site campground among the lava formations beyond the visitor center. A seven mile scenic drive starts just beyond the visitor center. This drive provides scenic views of lava flows and cinder cones and trail hiking opportunities ranging from a few hundreds yards to eight miles. With the exception of the visitor center, campground, and scenic drive very few visitor facilities are located within the Monument or Preserve.Most visitors to
Craters of the Moon see the monument from their car and the short hiking trails
along the Loop Drive. Doing so acquaints them with only 15% of the monument. The
remaining 43,243 acres are seldom visited, yet there are few places in America
where wilderness is so easily accessible.
Operating Hours:
The Monument and Preserve remain open all year, although
winter snows frequently limit access to some areas. The visitor center is open
seven days a week throughout the year except for winter holidays.
History: Proclaimed on May 2, 1924. Wilderness designated on October 23, 1970.
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Monuments
See other Idaho National Parks
