Craters Of The Moon In Idaho Turns 100 Years Old And It’s The Perfect Spot For A Day Trip

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is one of my favorite day trip destinations in Idaho. The unique landscape always impresses me and I love the unusual and beautiful hikes scattered all around the national monument. 2024 is a special year for Craters of the Moon – it is the year the national monument turns 100 and to celebrate, the National Park Service, in collaboration with partners and the public, will be holding a centennial celebration from May through September.

Craters of the Moon is one of the most interesting destinations in Idaho. It is home to volcanic cones, craters, rifts, hardened lava flows, and more. Its fissure sites are estimated to have erupted between 15,000 and 2,000 years ago.

In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge issued a proclamation to establish Craters of the Moon as a national monument. He declared that it was “a weird and scenic landscape peculiar to itself.”

In the last 100 years, Craters of the Moon has certainly seen significant growth. For example, when this national monument was established, it was 54,000 acres. Throughout the years, it has expanded multiple times. Today, it is approximately 738,000 acres.

To celebrate this incredible destination, its “weird and scenic” landscape, and its fascinating history, centennial celebrations will take place throughout the summer and you won't want to miss it.

The celebrations will officially begin on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Governor Brad Little has declared this as “Craters of the Moon Centennial Day” in Idaho. The day will feature a centennial walk at 1 p.m. and then a “People of the Moon “ program on Saturday, May 4 at 1 p.m.

Each month from May to September, there will be activities and events that focus on different themes or “phrases of the Moon." These will reflect the varied perspectives, values, and significance of Craters of the Moon over the last 100 years.

Examples of monthly activities include full moon hikes, star parties, and wildflower photography strolls.

In addition to these centennial celebration activities, we also recommend you take the scenic drive around the national monument …

… and go on a hike. The Devil’s Orchard Trail is one of my personal favorites, which takes you through a small area of cinder beds and pieces of the North Crater Wall. It is a loop trail and only 0.5 miles. Plus, it is paved the entire way, making it accessible for all individuals.

And if you want to turn your day trip into an overnight adventure, spend the night at the Craters of the Moon campground. The Lava Flow Campground is one of the most unique campgrounds in the Gem State and is where you can enjoy some of the best stargazing in Idaho.

We are proud to call Craters of the Moon part of our home, and its birthday is one event that is certainly worth celebrating.

For more information on Craters of the Moon National Monument, including upcoming events, visit the National Park Service website.

Have you spent time at Craters of the Moon? What are your favorite activities here? Let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments.