Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

Travel | Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

My first visit to Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve was quite a few years back, in my early twenties. Seems like a lifetime ago!

This unique, stunning park is well worth a visit. I truly hope to make it back during winter, maybe with a little snow on the ground adding even more contrast to the landscape.

Top Five Hikes + Places to Explore

• Cave Area - grab a permit and explore one (or all) of the five caves.

• Inferno Cone - a STEEP half mile trail (each way) to the top of the Inferno Cone. My favorite in the park!

• North Crater Flow Trail - less than half a mile, this trail takes you onto the North Crater Flow area.

• North Crater Trail - a 3.5 mile trail (one way), taking you over North Crater, into the crater mouth and onto Big Craters and Spatter Cones.

• Tree Molds Trail - a two mile trail with unique views of tree imprints in the now hard lava rock.