Shoot for the stars with your vacation plans and land in the otherworldly terrain of Idaho’s Craters of the Moon in 2024. On May 2, 1924, President Calvin Coolidge put into place a proclamation to protect the park’s peculiar lunar landscape for generations to come. From May to September 2024, you can join Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve’s Centennial celebration and memorialize this milestone with events and activities both virtual and in person.
Locate the Park
The simplest way to access Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve is by car—the park is approximately 18 miles west of the town of Arco. The Craters of the Moon visitor center is located at 1266 Craters Loop Road and is not accessible by any unpaved roads.
Travel With Care Tip: Please do not rely solely on GPS digital navigation systems to route your way, as provided directions may be inaccurate.
Join Lead Park Ranger Catherine Orland as she shares the tips and tricks to experiencing Craters of the Moon. From accessible trails to tunnels, and geological wonders to star parties, Craters of the Moon is a must-visit Idaho destination.
Throughout the summer, Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve plans to host a range of commemorative events and activities to celebrate 100 years. Each month of the Centennial celebration is classified as a “Phase of the Moon,” with themes that represent the varied values of the park throughout its 100-year history. Scroll down to browse the five phases of Craters of the Moon, and visit the park’s official website for up-to-date information about upcoming events.
What is now protected as Craters of the Moon is part of the original homeland of the Shoshone–Bannock people. Archaeological research suggests that the Shoshone–Bannock frequented the area near the park’s present-day Loop drive and U.S. Routes 20, 26 and 93.
Travel With Care Tip: Interested visitors can learn more about the Indigenous history of southern Idaho at the Shoshone–Bannock Tribal Museum in Pocatello. Read more online about the groups of people who have passed through Craters of the Moon in the last century and beyond.
The Craters of the Moon Wilderness was among the first wilderness areas managed by the National Park Service to be created under the Wilderness Act in 1970. This wide-open, awe-inspiring landscape can be explored on foot and spans 43,000+ acres.
Travel With Care Tip: Free permits from the visitor center are available and required for all overnight trips into the wilderness. It is recommended that hikers pack one gallon of water per person per day, as there are no reliable sources of water within the park. Prepare for the elements and set out on a backpacking trip or an afternoon hike on your visit.
The spectacular lunar landscape at Craters of the Moon has long captured the attention of scientists and researchers from across the world. From studying volcanic activity and geological formations like lava tubes to astronauts practicing for the Apollo missions, the unique environment has played an important role in a range of research topics and collections. Research continues at Craters of the Moon to this day.
The striking geological features of Craters of the Moon are sure to catch the attention of visitors, both new and returning. Visitors can look out over sweeping lava flows scattered with unusual formations and sagebrush. Hike the park’s trails to see cinder and spatter cones and even explore inside lava tubes. Enjoy recreational activities as you experience the lunar landscapes all around.
In 2017, Craters of the Moon was honored for its exceptional night sky with an International Dark Sky Park designation. Today, visitors can appreciate the peace of the natural dark sky with significantly reduced light pollution. Plan to stargaze or simply lay out underneath the open night sky and enjoy the stillness, and don’t miss out on the chance to attend a star party or full moon hike all summer long.
Keep an eye out for helpful Travel With Care badges across this page for tips to consider while arranging your visit to Craters of the Moon.
Expand your trip to Craters of the Moon with added adventure in nearby destinations. The areas around Twin Falls, Boise, Pocatello, Idaho Falls and Sun Valley provide a world of activities to explore, with drive times to the park of less than four hours.
Travel With Care Tip: With 42 first-come, first-served campsites available at Craters of the Moon, consider staying in Twin Falls, Sun Valley, Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Salmon or Boise on your Centennial visit.
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The weather at Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve can be extreme in any season, ranging from hot summers to icy winters.
Travel With Care Tip: Always check the forecast before your visit, bring layers and dress appropriately for the season.
Yes, you can go inside some of the lava tubes at Craters of the Moon! The required permits for cave exploration are free and available at the visitor center when the caves are open.
The landscape at Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve was formed around 15,000 years ago when lava erupted from the Great Rift, a series of deep cracks in the earth that stretch 52 miles southeast from the visitor center.
Travel With Care Tip: Cell service is very limited to nonexistent within Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, and visitors should be prepared to operate without it. However, you can download the National Park Service app in advance to access information about hiking trails and things to do offline.
Several designated parking areas are located throughout the park.
Travel With Care Tip: Don’t park along the side of the road, watch out for parking signage and defer to park ranger instructions when on-site.
Travel With Care Tip: When hiking at Craters of the Moon, wear sturdy shoes and plan to bring a first-aid kit, sun protection, map, compass, food and an appropriate amount of water per person.
See more of what visitors can expect to encounter in and around Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve by selecting the topic you would like to explore.
Pack your bags—and your passport! This downloadable guide includes everything you need to know during the Craters of the Moon Centennial celebration, so you can print it to reference during your explorations.
Add even more epic stops on your journey to Craters of the Moon when you route your trip along the Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway. This beautiful drive features diverse geology, striking views, interesting historical areas and Mount Borah, Idaho’s tallest peak.
Uh oh, are you unable to make the Centennial events in person in 2024? Don’t stress! Outdoor recreation has no specific season at Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve. Seize the opportunity to visit during the less busy off-season and try a unique snowshoeing excursion.
Stamp your National Park Service passport at other participating destinations in southern Idaho, like the nearby Hagerman Fossil Beds and Minidoka National Historic Site.
