Craters of the Moon
Craters of the Moon is a stark volcanic landscape in south-central Idaho, featuring lava flows, cinder cones, and ancient rhyolite. A day-use park with wildlife, short hikes, and access to nearby gateways to wilderness areas.
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Geography
| Address | Craters of the Moon, ID 83213, USAUS-93 |
|---|---|
| Continent | North America |
| Region | Pacific Northwest |
| Subregion | Northern Rockies |
| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho |
| County | Fremont and Butte counties |
| District | Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve |
| City | Arco |
| Postal Code | 83213 |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 43.4833 |
| Longitude | -114.017 |
| Maps |
7:12 PM LOCAL TIMECraters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a striking volcanic landscape carved by pahoehoe and 'a'a' lava flows that date back over 15,000 years. Central to the site are crescent-shaped cinder cones, sprawling basalt plains, and rhyolite dikes and domes that hint at complex magmatic history. Visitors come to walk across treacherous lava terrains, admire endemic plant species like Lupinus argenteus, and use the area as a base for nearby wildriver corridors and high-elevation trailheads. Despite its harsh appearance, the park supports wildlife including elk, mule deer, and a variety of birds, with routes that serve both short walks and beginner-friendly circuit drives—plan to bring sturdy shoes and water to explore safely.
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