This Scenic Drive Runs Straight Through Idaho's Craters Of The Moon, And It's A Breathtaking Journey
By Courtnie Erickson|Published March 30, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is one of the most otherworldly destinations in Idaho and draws thousands of visitors every single year. While there are several different ways that you can explore this area, one of our favorites is on a scenic drive. Craters of the Moon Loop Road is short, but the views along this road are nothing like you’ll find anywhere else in Idaho. There’s no doubt that this scenic drive in Idaho is a breathtaking journey.
Craters of the Moon is one destination that deserves a spot on every single bucket list. Located in central Idaho, this area is essentially large fields of hardened lava flow.
But what is unique about this area is the lava flow didn’t come from a large volcano. Rather, fissure eruptions occurred along cracks in the earth’s crust and began approximately 15,000 years ago. It is believed that some of the most recent eruptions occurred approximately 2,100 years ago.
While there are several different ways to enjoy this national monument and preserve in Idaho, one must-do activity is to travel the Craters of the Moon Loop Road. This scenic drive in Idaho is only seven miles, but you’ll travel slowly as you wind your way around the preserve.
Loop Road begins at the Robert Limbert Visitor Center. Here, you will find museum exhibits, a gift shop, restrooms, and more. This is also a great place to talk to rangers and better prepare for your visit.
As you continue on your drive, you will feel like you are exploring a whole new planet. The lava rock is a sight that is fascinating and quite beautiful in its own way.
You’ll also come to several trailheads where you can get out of your car and explore this unique landscape even more. You’ll pass the North Crater Flow Trailhead as well as the Devil’s Orchard Trailhead. You’ll also come to the parking area where you can begin exploring lava caves.
The caves at Craters of the Moon are actually lava tubes. Free permits are required to enter the caves, which you can pick up at the visitor center. However, you will want to talk with rangers before entering any caves as several are closed to protect the bats that live there.
Inferno Cone is one of the most incredible sights along this scenic drive.
If you are up for a bit of a challenge, you can hike clear to the top of the Inferno Cone, which gives you inspiring views of the Snake River Plain and Pioneer Mountains. The trail up Inferno Cone is short — only 0.4 miles — but it is steep and extremely challenging.
You may also want to get out of your vehicle and enjoy the Spatter Cones Interpretive Exhibit.
Spatter cones were formed when hot clumps of lava were thrown into the air during an eruption and fell around a vent. The blobs landed on top of each other and formed what looks like a mini volcano.
As you take this drive, bring a picnic lunch and pull off at one of the many picnic areas along Loop Road. These are great areas to just sit back, enjoy a meal, and really admire the views surrounding you.
Craters of the Moon Loop Road is only open to automobiles during the warmer months of the year. During the winter, this road is groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing – both incredible winter activities and with breathtaking views.
Have you ever traveled the Craters of the Moon Loop Road? What was your experience like on this scenic drive in Idaho? Let us know in the comments! You can learn more about this national monument and preserve in Idaho on the National Park Service website.
If you love incredible star shows, you must camp at Craters of the Moon. This incredible place to visit in Idaho is an International Dark Sky Park and is where you can see some of the best night skies in Idaho.
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