Described as a “weird and scenic landscape”, Craters of the Moon certainly lives up to its reputation. It was established in 1924 to preserve the unique volcanic features of this enormous lava field. The 750,000-acre monument and preserve contains a diverse array of volcanic features including volcanic rifts, cinder cones, spatter cones, shield volcanoes and lava tube caves. A surprising number of plants and animals have adapted to live in the harsh volcanic and high desert environment. It is an excellent site for hiking, bird watching, photography, backpacking and caving (permits required). The monument is cooperatively managed by the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management.

Click here for a detailed map of the 3 different units that make up & manage Craters of the Moon.

The park is open every day. Some park facilities and the loop road are closed during the winter. Visit Current Conditions and Operating Hours & Seasons for more information.

When the loop road is open to automobile traffic an entrance fee is charged. Find out more on the Fees and Passes page.

Visitor Center – Visitor Center

Open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Extended summer hours, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., begin on Memorial Day weekend and end after the third week in September. After that the visitor center is open 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily.