This Scenic Drive Runs Straight Through Idaho’s Craters of the Moon, and It’s a Breathtaking Journey

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 ways to 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 route are nothing like you’ll find anywhere else in Idaho.

I will admit that Craters of the Moon was very low on my bucket list at first. However, several years ago, my family and I visited on a day trip, and I fell in love. This certainly isn't your typical Idaho destination. Located in the central part of the state, this area is essentially large fields of hardened lava flow. But 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. In total, this drive can take you up to 30 minutes to complete. However, if you make several stops along your way (which I recommend), plan for a much longer adventure.

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. We stopped here and had a picnic lunch at the end of our drive as well, as you'll find several picnic tables on the grassy areas outside of the visitor center.

As you continue 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. The Craters of the Moon Loop Road is also how you can reach several trailheads if you wish to explore this unique landscape. 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.

One of my favorite stops along this scenic drive is Inferno Cone. 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 a gradual climb with no shade. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes. I also do not recommend this hike in the hot afternoon sun.

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.

While my family had a picnic lunch at the visitor center, you can also 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. You don't see this unique landscape just anywhere.

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 are some of your favorite things to do at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. You can also learn more about this bucket-list-worthy destination and its many activities 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.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip to central Idaho using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.