Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. We invite you to explore this "weird and scenic landscape" where yesterday's volcanic events are likely to continue tomorrow.

A Sea of Lava

Craters of the Moon features the largest young lava field in the lower 48 states, encompassing the entire Great Rift volcanic zone.

A close-up shot of a folded, waving sea of lava rock, with mountains in the far distance.

Wildflowers on the Moon

Spectacular floral displays occur at Craters each spring, including this dwarf monkeyflower and bitterroot.

Small purple flowers and larger white flowers with reddish stems grow out of black volcanic rock

Stargazing at Craters

Craters of the Moon was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2017, making it one of the best places in the country to stargaze.

The Craters entrance sign sits below a starry night sky, with the milky way brightly-lit.

Exploring the Craters

Many visitors come to Craters to explore its unique and fragile lava tubes.

A figure stands inside a large lava tube on a pile of rubble, lit by a round opening overhead.

Explore Craters on Foot

Trails at Craters, like the Spatter Cone Trail, allow visitors to explore young volcanic features like spatter cones, cinder cones, and lava fields.

A paved trail winds up around the side of a spatter cone.

A Weird and Scenic Landscape

Craters of the Moon features unexpectedly stunning views, such as this panoramic vista from the top of Inferno Cone.

A panoramic view across the Craters landscape, bisected by a winding road.