Posted in Idaho Nature June 08, 2022 by

Hike Through The Freshest Lava On The Snake River Plain On This Unique Trail In Idaho

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is one of the most unique and fascinating areas in the Gem State. This national monument is essentially large fields of hardened lava flow and islands of cinder cones and as you explore, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet. While there are several trails you can take to learn, view, and appreciate Craters of the Moon, one of the best is the Broken Top Loop.

Broken Top Loop is a single trail that shows you many of the outstanding and unique features of this remarkable national monument.
Ann Jablonski/AllTrails
You will find this trail at the Tree Molds Trailhead. This trail also provides access to the Wilderness Trail.
The Broken Top Loop is a 1.8-mile loop trail that is considered quite easy and family-friendly. You will only gain 200 feet in elevation over the entire course of your hike.
Mitchell Walton/AllTrails
While you walk along this trail, it is hard to believe you are actually in Idaho. It is like an ocean of hardened lava flow for miles and miles.
Nicky Chokran/AllTrails
On this hike, you will hike around a cinder cone. Cinder cones are some of the simplest types of volcanoes and are formed after an eruption blows lava into the air, which then solidifies and falls as cinders around the volcano’s vent.
Make sure you stop and admire the volcanic rock. This is one of the best hikes to see the hardened lava and you’ll even hike through some of the freshest lava on the Snake River Plain.
Michael Akers/AllTrails
On your way, you will also come to the slope of Broken Top, where you can truly capture remarkable views of the large lava flows.
Ayse Trail/AllTrails
You’ll also pass by the Big Sink, which is essentially an area of collapsed lava.
Harry Li/AllTrails
Despite being a short trail at Craters of the Moon, you will hike through some of the freshest lava, near collapsed lava, and even to incredible lava views on this single 1.8-mile loop trail. There truly is nowhere else like it.
Paul Sinai/AllTrails

Have you ever hiked the Broken Top Loop Trail at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve? If so, what did you think of this hiking trail? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments! If you took pictures along your way, make sure to share those as well! And if you are searching for even more hiking trails at Craters of the Moon, visit the National Park Service website.

Address: Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Idaho, USA