Why Craters of the Moon is the best
Why Craters of the Moon is the best and most unique location in the USA? Located near Twin Falls Idaho, and it is an amazing spot to visit. It is a crazy mix of lava and sagebrush, that creates an interesting landscape. There are multiple caves, scenic overlooks, and a 7-mile loop that can be driven to see the sites. The best times to visit are spring and fall, but if you are interested in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing you can go during winter. The lava fields create a landscape unlike anything on earth, and it even feels like you are out of this world. There are 25 volcanic cones and amazing examples of spatter cones. You could easily spend a couple days here, but you could also make a quick trip of 3-4 hours. There are lots of overnight camping spots if you are looking to make a long weekend of it.
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Top 5 things to do in Craters of the Moon
- Drive the 7-mile loop
- Hike the Inferno Cone to see the views
- Explore Craters’ underground lava tubes
- Hike the Tree molds trail
- Cross-Country ski, or snowshoe in winter
It is part of the National Park System, so you can use the America the Beautiful annual pass, or you can pay the $25 entry fee. The fee covers the vehicle so you and your passengers can all enter under this fee.
The physical address is: Craters of the Moon National Monument 1266 Craters Loop Road Arco, ID 83213
There is a nice little visitor’s center, that has a little information and history of how the area was created. The area was formed 15,000 and 2,000 years ago, during 8 major eruptive periods. Deep cracks stretch 52 miles from the Great Rift and lava erupted creating a field that grew to cover 618 square miles. As recently as 1983 there was an earthquake that made the highest mountain in Idaho a foot taller, and the Lost River Valley got 8 feet deeper. It has been 2,000 years since the last eruption but it could erupt at any time. They project that one mile of lava will be erupted when the next eruption occurs.
Why Craters of the Moon is the best
What is so cool about Craters of the Moon is how easy it is to see and experience this galactic looking place. The 7-mile loop is an easy drive, and all the pull-offs and scenic overlooks are the perfect way to experience this park. If you want the best views of the park hike the Inferno Cone, it is steep but you have to make the climb to get the rewards.
If you bring your friends, you can make a video pretending to be alien invaders. Your very own version of War of the Worlds if you want to get creative and make it count. This place feels like no place you have ever been. The stark black and red of the lava fields against the bright blue sky make the most unique landscape.
Three reasons you should visit Craters of the Moon
- It is unlike any other place in the contiguous USA
- Lava fields
- Pretending you are an extra on an alien invasion film
Making the trek to Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve takes a little time, but it is well worth the visit. Schedule some time so you can truly enjoy this crazy unique experience and really take it all in.
Epic Must Visit 3 National Parks Road Trip – Whatever Packs Your Bag
[…] Craters of the Moon is on of the most unique places on this road trip to national parks. It almost looks like you have landed on the moon, and considering it is still an active lava field (though it is currently dormant) it could become active again at any time. […]