We took a half day trip from Stanley to visit highlights from the Craters of the Moon National Monument. It is just a little over 2.5 hours from Stanley (and about the same from Boise as well).
Craters of the Moon National Monument is an extraordinary place filled with ancient volcanic rocks and mysterious caves. Thousands of years ago, huge volcanoes erupted here, leaving behind a rugged landscape that resembles the surface of the moon.
Over time, people have been drawn to this unique area to explore its intriguing geological features. In 1924, it was designated as a national monument to preserve its natural wonders for future generations.
Today, visitors can embark on hikes along trails that wind through fields of lava rock, venture into lava tubes, and marvel at the diverse plant and animal life that have adapted to thrive in this harsh environment. It’s a fascinating destination for anyone curious about Earth’s volcanic history.
Time spent exploring Craters of the Moon
We spent about 3.5 hours there and felt it was enough time for us who have an acceptable level of appreciation for geology. If you’re a geology/volcano/lava fan, I’d definitely plan to spend more time there. Going in the morning around 930 or 10 on a Friday allowed us to really beat the main crowds.
Stop by the Visitors Center first
We stopped by the Visitors Center first to get a map and permit for the caves (the act of getting the permit is to protect the bats!). You can refill on water here too.
Cave Permits
The purpose of a permit for caves at Craters of the Moon National Monument is to help protect the fragile cave ecosystems and ensure visitor safety. These permits are typically required for entry into certain caves within the monument.
By regulating access to caves through permits, park authorities can manage visitor numbers, minimize human impact on sensitive cave formations and prevent the spread of White-Nose Syndrome (WNS). WNS is a fungal disease which primarily affects hibernating bats. It has been devastating bat populations in North America since it was first discovered in 2006. If you have worn any clothing or equipment to caves in years prior years, even if washed and laundered, it could be a risk of spreading WNS.
Driving the Park
The park is one big driving loop which is mainly one way roads – so you can park at each landmark and get out to explore
It will help to download offline maps for GPS navigation to each site instead of relying just on the paper map from the visitors center
Caves Trail to Indian Tunnel
The Caves Trail is only 1.8 miles out and back, and is a flat and easy walk. It leads you to various caves, including Indian Tunnel. Exploring Indian Tunnel was the highlight of our visit! While this is not necessarily the first of the one-way stops on the map of Craters of the Moon, we wanted to do this first to beat the crowds since we were there in the morning and we knew it would be a popular spot.
Indian Tunnel is a unique underground geological adventure. Formed by ancient lava flows, Indian Tunnel is essentially a lava tube—a hollow tunnel created when molten lava solidified on the outside while the hot, flowing lava continued to move inside.
Exploring the tunnel is like stepping into another world. Inside, you’ll find a dimly lit, twisting passageway lined with curious rock formations and intriguing textures. The tunnel varies in width and height, with some sections narrow with low ceilings, while others open up into larger chambers.
Dewdrop Cave was another cave that was open at the time for us to explore. Most other caves on the map were closed to protect sensitive bat populations. Dewdrop Cave was too dark and daunting for me so I chose not to explore it. Bring a flashlight or headlamp if you wish to explore Dewdrop.
For any exploration of caves:
- Wear sturdy shoes if you’ll be exploring caves as a lot of the rocks can get be wobbly.
- Bring a headlamp or bright flashlight if exploring caves other than Indian Tunnel, as cell phone flashlights are relatively weak (Indian Tunnel was illuminated enough by sunlight)
Broken Top Loop Trail
This was an easy 1.8 mile loop. We went clockwise and the trail was relatively flat except for the beginning.
The trail meanders through volcanic terrain with the opportunity to see lava tubes, a cave (which was closed when we went), and lava bubbles, providing glimpses into the powerful volcanic forces that shaped the area millennia ago.
There is also a nice panoramic view of the surrounding lava fields and distant mountains at the overlook.
Other notes for Craters of the Moon
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water as the trails are relatively exposed to the sun.
If heading back to Stanley, stop in Pocatello to dine at Mama Inez for tasty Mexican food! You won’t be disappointed. We got a burrito, the Chile Colorado, and chips and salsa (salsa was awesome).
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