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Craters of the Moon National Monument was set aside
back in 1924 to preserve the unique volcanic features.
The Craters of the Moon Lava Field is the largest (618
square miles) basaltic, dominantly Holocene (last 10,000
years) lava field in the conterminous United States.
The monument which protects 83 square miles of the
field provides a stunning array of volcanic features and
is literally an outdoor classroom. The features include:
lava flows such as pahoehoe, aa, and blocky; cinder
cones; spatter cones; rafted blocks; and lava tubes
(caves). It hosts a fascinating number of plants and
animals adapted to live in the harsh volcanic and high desert environment.
Follow highway 93/26/20 west 18 miles from Arco, Idaho to the park entrance.
The visitor center is located at the park entrance.
There is a seven mile loop drive through the monument, and numerous trails
from 1/4 to 8 miles round trip.
In the summer, spring, and fall there is hiking, self-guided trails,
wildlife and plant viewing, photography, sight seeing, caving,
and backpacking in the wilderness.
In the winter there is cross-country skiing, snowshoeing,
telemarking, skate skiing, photography, and observing animal tracks in snow.
Excerpts courtesy of:
U.S. National Park Service,
Craters of the Moon National Monument Website, 1999
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For More National Monument Information
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Link to:
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Craters of the Moon National Monument
P.O. Box 29
Arco, ID 83213
(208) 527-3257
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