Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is such a unique park that you just have to visit! But who would ever think of such a place would be in Idaho? And why on earth would a place like this be even considered a National Park? With its’ amazing geological moon-like features, the lava field environment is literally out of this world! The volcanic ground zero literally looks like you’re on the moon! Hence, why it’s called Craters of the Moon.

As we were driving New Mexico to Arco, Idaho we noticed huge masses of solid black lava rock along the road. It went on for miles. It was almost like we had left earth and arrived at something we could only describe as moon-like.

Happening purely by accident, once we arrived at the campground in Arco, Idaho, we needed to know what was up with the weird surroundings.

It was then we noticed a brochure of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in the campground office.

What was supposed to be an overnight visit turned into one hell of an adventure and learning experience! And I mean that in every sense of the word…hell! 

We had no idea this place even existed. And why would we? There’s really nothing there except lots and lots of black lava!

So, of course, we booked a couple more nights and set out to see what Craters of the Moon was all about.

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Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

Idaho

Where is Craters of the Moon National Monument?

Established on May 2, 1924, Craters of the Moon is a U.S. National Monument and National Preserve in the Snake River Plain in central Idaho.

It sits along US 20, between the small towns of Arco and Carey, at an average elevation of 5,900 feet above sea level. 

About Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

The National Park Service’s Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve formed during eight major eruptive periods between 15,000 and 2000 years ago.

Lava erupted from the Great Rift, a series of deep cracks that start near the visitor center and stretch 52 miles (84 km.) to the southeast.

During this time the Craters of the Moon lava field grew to cover 618 square miles (1600 square km). The smaller Wapi and Kings Bowl lava fields also formed along the Great Rift during the most recent eruptive period (approximately 2000 years ago).

Think about that a moment; a 618 square mile volcanic debris field. That’s half the size of Rhode Island!

From NASA Earth Observatory, the photo below is an aerial view of Craters of the Moon.

“Craters of the Moon lava field is a striking area of recent volcanic activity within Idaho’s Snake River Plain. The 60 (or more) lava flows in the field range from approximately 15,000 to 2,100 years old.

Together the flows cover 1,600 square kilometers (620 square miles) with a total volume of 30 cubic km (7.2 cubic miles). A 3-D view of Craters of the Moon shows the Snake River Plain in relation to the adjacent mountains.

This natural-color image of Craters of the Moon was acquired by the Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) aboard the Landsat 7 satellite on August 1, 2001.

The lava flows appear black, dark brown, and even dark blue. Thick vegetation (forest in the Pioneer Mountains and irrigated fields on the Snake River Plain) is green, while the scrubby vegetation surrounding the lava field appears brown. Scrub-covered areas surrounded by lava flows are called kipukas.”

Craters of the Moon actually became known through sheer curiosity. Federal Geologists explored in 1901 and again in 1923.

In the 1920’s, taxidermist and Idaho promoter Robert Limbert made three epic journeys through the lava.

His lectures and articles about these lava lands helped to publicize the area and contributed to the establishment of the National Monument in 1924.

In 1970, Congress designated much of the National Monument as wilderness, one of the first in the National Park System.

In 2000, most of the Great Rift and associated lava fields were added to the National Monument. Then, two years later in 2002, Congress established the National Preserve.

Today, the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management along with the American people, share the responsibility of managing Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.

Life does exist at Craters of the Moon!

Despite this National Monument and Preserve being what it is, a massive 600 square mile lava field, life does exist at Craters of the Moon.

Plants adapt to the rigors and unforgiving terrains of the lava beds and underground caves; Antelope Bitterbrush, Prickly Pear Cactus, Big Sagebrush, Lichens, Limber Pine Seedlings, Monkey Flowers, Bitterroot, Paintbrush and Syringas.

Kipukas and other Sagebrush covered areas are home to Sage Grouse; famous for their spring mating displays.

Pikas store dry grasses to eat under the snow in the winter. They stay mostly hidden in the cool havens of cracks, crevices and openings beneath the hardened lava surfaces to survive the summer heat.

Visiting  Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

Once we were entered the park, we went inside the visitor center to show our National Park Access Pass, receive our informational brochure and Park map.

We also brought our National Park Passport to get our cancellation stamp for proof we’ve been there.

This lesser-known National Monument and Preserve was a wonderful way to spend the day. And, if the sky is blue like it was when we visited, all the more better to offer better contrast and colors.

Most of the trails were asphalt paths to deter visitors from walking or disturbing the volcanic sculptures and proof of eruption. A simple step could crush the lava tubes.

Though it resembles a hardened rock disaster area, signs of wildlife and botany wonders are mysteriously evident.

Lichen peppers lava rock natural sculptures and desert-like flowers and plants seed themselves in crevices one wonders how anything could ever grow in them.

It’s amazing seeing some of the Lichens that are of a neon or florescent yellow color. Other lichens are white or brown.

Also whats amazing is the black lava rock is everywhere.  It is hard, very porous, cellular and spiny.

This was exactly what our high school track and field tracks were made from. If we fell, we’d have to pick these out of our skinned knees and hands.

So THAT’s where cinder tracks came from; volcanic cinders.

Anyway, we strolled around the half-mile walk around Devils Orchard. Its’ island-like lava fragments stand in a sea of cinders. We can see how it was named. There’s nothing living here and looks like what once was hell.

Wrapping up our Craters of the Moon visit