Craters Of The Moon National Wilderness Area
Craters Of The Moon National Wilderness Area
Craters Of The Moon National Wilderness Area is a wilderness area in Idaho characterized by its remarkably preserved volcanic landscape. This region features extensive lava fields, cinder cones, and fissures, all shaped by past volcanic eruptions. The terrain offers a unique environment for outdoor activities, with solidified lava flows and volcanic formations providing distinct challenges and experiences for several sports like hiking.
The Craters Of The Moon National Wilderness…
16
Routes
5
(18)
Average rating
334
People visited

5.0
(2)
64
hikers
2.09km
00:32
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(4)
53
hikers
2.62km
00:43
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

34
hikers
4.07km
01:03
30m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
34
hikers
718m
00:13
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Craters Of The Moon National Wilderness Area is a 43,000-acre wilderness in Idaho, known for its remarkably preserved volcanic landscape. It features extensive lava fields, cinder cones, and fissures, shaped by volcanic eruptions that occurred between 15,000 and 2,100 years ago. The area is cooperatively managed by the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
The primary outdoor activity available in Craters Of The Moon National Wilderness Area is hiking. Trails traverse across solidified lava flows and up cinder cones, offering a unique exploration of the volcanic terrain. The area provides opportunities for both casual day hikes and more challenging backcountry expeditions.
Key natural features include the Great Rift, a 52-mile long crack in the Earth's crust, and numerous cinder and spatter cones. Visitors can also explore lava tubes and caves, such as Dewdrop Cave and Indian Tunnel. Unique tree molds, formed when lava flowed over forests, are also present.
Yes, Craters Of The Moon National Wilderness Area offers easy hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. These routes allow visitors to experience the unique volcanic landscape without extensive difficulty. Information on accessible options can be found in guides like Easy hikes in Craters Of The Moon National Wilderness Area.
The terrain primarily consists of solidified basaltic lava flows, cinder cones, and volcanic fissures. Trails often traverse rugged, uneven surfaces formed by ancient eruptions. Some paths lead into lava tubes and caves, while others ascend cinder cones, providing views of the surrounding volcanic sea.
Craters Of The Moon National Wilderness Area is a popular destination for hikers on komoot. More than 700 visitors have shared their experiences, contributing to an average rating of 4.97 out of 5 stars for the routes in this area. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.
Komoot offers several guides to help plan visits to Craters Of The Moon National Wilderness Area. These include a general guide for Hiking in Craters Of The Moon National Wilderness Area. There is also a specific guide for Easy hikes in Craters Of The Moon National Wilderness Area.
The provided information does not specify any special hiking permits required for general trail use within Craters Of The Moon National Wilderness Area. Visitors should check the official park website for current entrance fees or specific backcountry regulations if planning extended trips.
The official website for Craters Of The Moon National Wilderness Area is provided by the National Park Service. It can be accessed at https://www.nps.gov/crmo/. This resource offers comprehensive information about visiting the area.
The visitor center for Craters Of The Moon National Wilderness Area can be reached by phone. The primary contact number is +1-208-527-1300. This number can be used for general inquiries and visitor information.
Despite its seemingly barren appearance, Craters Of The Moon National Wilderness Area supports a variety of wildlife. Common sightings include mule deer, coyotes, and various bird species. The hardy ecosystem adapts to the unique volcanic environment.
The Craters Of The Moon National Wilderness Area features various trails, some of which are designed as loops to allow for diverse exploration of the volcanic landscape. Specific loop hike details can be found by exploring the routes available on komoot. These routes often showcase different geological formations.

