Things to Do in Craters Of The Moon National Preserve

Craters Of The Moon National Preserve is a vast volcanic area in Idaho, characterized by extensive lava fields, cinder cones, and lava tubes. It is managed by the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management. The preserve's landscape is often compared to the lunar surface due to its unique geological features.

The primary outdoor activity available in Craters Of The Moon National Preserve is hiking. Visitors can explore a range of trails that traverse ancient lava beds, ascend volcanic cones, and lead to lava tube caves. The preserve offers diverse experiences for various skill levels.

Popular hiking trails include the North Crater Trail, Caves Trail, and Inferno Cone. The Tree Molds Trail and Devils Orchard Nature Trail are also frequently visited. These trails offer opportunities to explore diverse volcanic features and scenic views.

Yes, Craters Of The Moon National Preserve offers several easy hikes suitable for beginners. Examples include the Devils Orchard Nature Trail and the Tree Molds Trail, which provide accessible ways to experience the unique landscape. More information can be found in the Easy hikes in Craters Of The Moon National Preserve guide.

Craters Of The Moon National Preserve has family-friendly hiking options, such as the Caves Trail, Tree Molds Trail, and Devils Orchard Nature Trail. These trails are generally shorter and less strenuous, making them suitable for families. Consult the Family-friendly hikes in Craters Of The Moon National Preserve guide for more details.

The preserve showcases a variety of volcanic features, including extensive lava flows, over 25 cinder cones like Big Cinder Butte and Inferno Cone, and lava tube caves such as Indian Tunnel. Other notable features include tree molds, fissures from the Great Rift, and kipukas. These formations illustrate the area's volcanic history.

Yes, a free cave permit is required to enter the lava tube caves within Craters Of The Moon National Preserve. This permit helps manage access and protect the delicate cave environments. Permits can typically be obtained at the visitor center.

Exploring the volcanic landscape is best done through hiking the various trails. Ascending cinder cones like Inferno Cone offers panoramic views, while traversing lava fields provides an up-close look at different lava types. The Caves Trail allows exploration of the unique underground lava tubes. For more information, see the Hiking in Craters Of The Moon National Preserve guide.

Routes in Craters Of The Moon National Preserve have an average rating of 4.97 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on experiences shared by more than 1,000 visitors. The high rating reflects the unique and engaging nature of the preserve's outdoor activities.

Komoot offers several guides for the preserve, including Hiking in Craters Of The Moon National Preserve, Easy hikes in Craters Of The Moon National Preserve, Volcano hikes in Craters Of The Moon National Preserve, and Family-friendly hikes in Craters Of The Moon National Preserve. These guides provide detailed information on routes and their characteristics.

The official website for Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve is nps.gov/crmo. The main park telephone number is +1-208-527-1300. The Robert Limbert Visitor Center can be reached at +1-208-527-1335.

The preserve is significant for its exceptionally well-preserved and diverse basaltic lava features, offering insights into volcanic processes. It is also designated an International Dark Sky Park, providing excellent stargazing opportunities. Its unique landscape has been used for space research and astronaut training.