Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Craters_of_the_Moon_National_Monument_from_Inferno_Cone_retouched.jpg
Author: Daniel Mayer, JoJan, Kelly


Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a volcanic site in Idaho with one of the best preserved flood basalt areas in continental United States. The national monument and national preserve covers 714,727 acres (2,892 sq km) in the Snake River Plain in central Idaho, between the towns of Arco and Carey.

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Craters_of_the_Moon_National_Monument_and_Preserve_8.jpg
Author: Mozillaman


Craters of the Moon National Monument was established on 2 May, 1924. Then in November, 2000, President Bill Clinton expanded the site. The extended area was designated the Craters of the Moon National Preserve in August 2002. The area is managed cooperatively by both the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

Craters of the Moon has three big lava fields and large sagebrush steppe grasslands of some 400 square miles. The three lava fields are within the Great Rift of Idaho, which has some of the best examples of open rift cracks in the world, including the deepest.

Lava Billows, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crmo_lava_billows_20070516122813.jpg
Author: National Park Services Photo


Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is located at an elevation of about 5,900 feet. Within the area are over 25 volcanic cones. The terrain has only a sparse cover of vegetation, creating a landscape of barrenness and desolation. The area is remote. There is only one paved road at the northern end.

Visiting Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho

The nearest town to the national monument is Arco. From Arco, take US Highway 20 (aka 26, 93) heading west. The monument and preserve is open all year round, although the Loop Road around the park may be closed to cars in winter. The visitor center is open year from from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, and from Memorial Day through 12 Sept from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Entrance fee to Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is $8.00 for each private car with driver and passengers.

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