Copyright: National Park Service
Craters of the Moon National Monument
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Description
- The Craters of the Moon Lava Field is the largest (618 sq. miles) basaltic, Halocene (geologic era) lava field in the continental United States. The monument protects 83 square miles of the field, providing a stunning array of volcanic features. The unusual landscape features lava flows, cinder cones,
spatter cones and lava tubes. The region also supports a large number of plant and animal species, which have adapted to live in the harsh volcanic and high desert environment.
Recreation - Craters of the Moon National Monument provides visitors with the facilities for many recreation opportunities. The visitor center is located at the park entrance and provides information and exhibits. This is a great place to start your tour of the monument. A seven-mile loop drive through the monument allows for scenic driving through this unusual landscape. Numerous trails from 1/4 to 8 miles allow hikers and walkers of all abilities to enjoy the scenery. Regularly scheduled guided walks and programs are available throughout the summer months. Photograhy, wildlife viewing and splunking are a few more activities available for visitors to this National Monument. The monument is open to visitors during the winter months. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skate skiing, photography and animal tracking are popular activities during the colder months. Travelers will find a fifty-two site campground with restrooms, picnic tables, charcoal grills and scattered water taps within the monument. No electrical hookups are provided on site. No wood fires are permtted within the monument. Climate - Summer temperatures in southern Idaho average between 84 degrees F and 51 degrees F. Winter temperatures range from 31 degrees F to 12 degrees F. Precipitation in the region averages 17 inches per year. Location -
The monument lies between Carey(west) and Arco (east), Idaho, along Highways 26/93. The site is south of the Lost River Mountain Range and the Challis and Salmon National Forests.
LAT: 43.4165704
LONG: -113.5175142
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