Craters of the Moon
Explore the stark and volcanic landing of Craters of the Moon National Monument in south-central Idaho, with vast lava fields, cinder cones, and caving opportunities.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Northwest U.S. |
| Subregion | Pacific Northwest |
| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho |
| County | Custer County |
| District | Craters of the Moon |
| City | Arco |
| Postal Code | 83213 |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 43.385 |
| Longitude | -113.518 |
| Maps |
7:12 PM LOCAL TIMESet against the high plains and sagebrush steppe of south-central Idaho, Craters of the Moon National Monument is a dramatically rifted volcanic landscape. Formed primarily by eruptions from 15,000 to 2000 years ago, the park's hardened lava plains—interrupted by cinder cones, spatter fields, and volcanic tubes—offer a stark, moonscape-like scenery. Visitors come to hike on preserved trails, explore caves by permit, and learn about the earth processes that shaped this hostile terrain. The area retains a sense of raw wilderness and contrasts sharply with the surrounding sage and farmland, providing a distinctive setting for adventurers willing to climb, crawl, and cross the rugged basalt surface.
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