General information about the National Monument
Crater of the Moon NM is a sanctuary for huge lava flows and several cinder cones. The lava originates, among other things, from the last eruption about 2000 years ago. The area was placed under protection in 1926 and received the status of a National Monument.
Number of visitors
Best time to visit: Between May and October.
Our visits:
So far 1 visit: June 2015
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 20$/car and all passengers valid for 7 days
- Covered by the Anual Pass*
- Open 24h all year round. The Loop Road is usually closed between November and April due to snow.
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
Flowers along the park road
Description: Depending on the weather and the amount of precipitation, it blossoms on every corner in spring. Due to the nutrient-rich lava, an amazing diversity of species can be found despite the seemingly barren landscape.
Our rating: In June 2015 we were very lucky, because it bloomed beautifully everywhere. It is almost unbelievable what pretty and colorful flowers can thrive here.
Inferno Cone
Description: Inferno Cone is one of the hills you can climb here in the park. It is a cinder cone that offers a great panoramic view of the entire landscape. It is a steep and strenuous climb, however, because the ground consists of relatively fine lava sand. The good thing is that the way up is only a few hundred feet long and you are rewarded with a magnificent view at the top.
Our rating: Even if you get out of breath for a short time, the climb is worth it. Once at the top, you'll find yourself on a relatively large flat area with views in every direction. We can really recommend this little Hike .
Looking south from Inferno Cone
Looking southwest from Inferno Cone
Looking west from Inferno Cone
Snow and Spatter Cone
Description: Two other small trails allow a look into the inside of two volcanic cones. The last lava flow poured over the landscape over 2000 years ago, forming all sorts of interesting and bizarre structures. Both trails are only a few feet long, very well maintained and so very easy to walk on.
Our rating: Both trails were not necessarily very spectacular, but nevertheless we liked to have a look into the volcanic cones. We especially liked the green trees in the area, which provide a great contrast to the reddish-gray lava. If you are not in a hurry when visiting the NM, you can certainly stop by here.
Indian Tunnel
Description: During the last lava flow numerous lava caves and tunnels were formed in the park. These can be partially visited and climbed. No matter which lava cave you want to visit, you need a permit. These permits are free of charge and have to be picked up at the Visitor Center before the hike. The permit has to be put behind the windshield of the car. During our visit we also joined a ranger guided tour. So we learned among other things that it gets so cold in the caves that ice forms. Armed with a flashlight we went in search of it. It was fascinating to think that it was almost 30 degrees outside the tunnel. The trails between the caves are paved and therefore very easy to hike.
Our rating: The about 1.24mi long Hike was one of our highlights in the park. Climbing around between the lava rocks and into one of the caves was totally exciting. The ranger tour was very interesting and so we took some interesting information from it. This part of the park should not be missed.
Devils Orchard
Description: The nearly one kilometer long Nature Trail leads flat through a lava river. On the comfortable walk you learn a lot about the volcanic processes in the park on great information boards.
Our rating: Besides all the information about the landscape around us, what we liked most about this trail was the total remoteness. Apart from us, no one was on the trail and so we almost had the feeling of being on another planet.
