The Great Rift lies in the Snake River Plain in south-central Idaho. Wildlife
species here include antelope, mule deer, coyotes, rabbits and 22 other types
of mammals. Sage grouse, mourning doves and a variety of raptors are among 140
bird species in the lava plain area too.

The Great Rift lies in the Snake River Plain in south-central Idaho. Wildlife species here include antelope, mule deer,
coyotes, rabbits and 22 other types of mammals. Sage grouse, mourning doves and a variety of raptors are among 140 bird species in the lava plain area too.

Bird's eye view of the park

Great Rift ISA Wilderness Study Area

Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of
cinder cones and sagebrush. We invite you to explore this "weird and scenic
landscape" where yesterday's volcanic events are likely to continue tomorrow.

Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. We invite you to explore this "weird and scenic landscape" where yesterday's volcanic events are likely to continue tomorrow.

The Lava Flow Campground is a 42-site campground accessible by automobile from
May through November depending on snow conditions. All sites are available on
a first-come, first-served basis. Some sites will accommodate large RVs, but
no hookups are available.

The Lava Flow Campground is a 42-site campground accessible by automobile from May through November depending on snow conditions. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some sites will accommodate large RVs, but no hookups are available.

Campsites vary in size and may be back-in or pull-through.

Back-in Campsites

The Lava Flow Campground offers 42 sites nestled among the black lava rocks between the visitor center and North Crater.

Tents at the Campground

Some sites offer pull-through parking for trailers and RVs.

RV Camping at Lava Flow Campground

This campground offers the experience of camping on one of the youngest lava flows in the park.

Bird's Eye View of the Lava Flow Campground

Campsites offer stark views of the unique volcanic landscape.

Site 25 with Monoliths

The Lava Flow Campground offers a unique camping experience and is conveniently located near the park visitor center and popular trails.

Lava Flow Campground

In the summer, evening programs may be offered at the amphitheater.

Campground Amphitheater

Camp on the moon...

Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

Craters of the Moon features unexpectedly stunning views, such as this panoramic vista from the top of Inferno Cone.

A Weird and Scenic Landscape

Craters of the Moon features the largest young lava field in the lower 48 states, encompassing the entire Great Rift volcanic zone.

A Sea of Lava

Spectacular floral displays occur at Craters each spring, including this dwarf monkeyflower and bitterroot.

Wildflowers on the Moon

Craters of the Moon was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2017, making it one of the best places in the country to stargaze.

Stargazing at Craters

Many visitors come to Craters to explore its unique and fragile lava tubes.

Exploring the Craters

Trails at Craters, like the Spatter Cone Trail, allow visitors to explore young volcanic features like spatter cones, cinder cones, and lava fields.

Explore Craters on Foot

Craters of the Moon is a winter wonderland that is great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Snowshoe Walk

Craters of the Moon is out of this world!

Volcanic Cones and Moon

A wide variety of Ranger guided activities are offered through out the year.

Ranger Guided Walk

Craters of the Moon is famous for its well preserved spatter cones.

Spatter Cone

Snowhoeing and crosscountry skiers enjoy a winter wonderland.

Winter Wonderland

The lava tube caves are fun to explore.

Indian Tunnel

Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

In Idaho, BLM manages nearly 10,000 acres of public lands in the Black Den
Butte Wilderness Study Area. Outstanding opportunities for solitude can be
found here. The rugged volcanic features and desert environment have
opportunities for camping, hiking and hunting.

In Idaho, BLM manages nearly 10,000 acres of public lands in the Black Den Butte Wilderness Study Area. Outstanding opportunities for solitude can be found here. The rugged volcanic features and desert environment have opportunities for camping, hiking and hunting.

Bear Den Butte Wilderness Study Area

In Idaho, BLM manages nearly 36,000 acres of public lands in the China Cup
Butte Wilderness Study Area. This geologically important area features an
almost perfectly circular cone 1,260 feet in diameter with a 100-foot deep
crater located about nine miles southwest of Big Southern Butte in the south-
central Snake River Plain.

In Idaho, BLM manages nearly 36,000 acres of public lands in the China Cup Butte Wilderness Study Area. This geologically important area features an almost perfectly circular cone 1,260 feet in diameter with a 100-foot deep crater located about nine miles southwest of Big Southern Butte in the south-central Snake River Plain.

China Cup Butte ISA Wilderness Study Area

Established in 1924, Craters of the Moon National Monument celebrated its 75th
birthday in 1999. The area is managed cooperatively by the National Park
Service and the Bureau of Land Management(BLM). The Monument is a geologic
wonder cast in a wild and remote landscape. Its central focus is the Great
Rift, a 62-mile long crack in the earth's crust. The Great Rift is the source
of a remarkably preserved volcanic landscape with an array of exceptional
features. Craters, cinder coves, lava tubes, deep cracks, and vast lava fields
form a strangely beautiful volcanic sea on central Idaho's Snake River Plain.

Established in 1924, Craters of the Moon National Monument celebrated its 75th birthday in 1999. The area is managed cooperatively by the National
Park Service and the Bureau of Land
Management(BLM). 
    
The Monument is a geologic wonder cast in a wild and remote landscape. Its central focus is the Great Rift, a 62-mile
long crack in the earth's crust. The Great Rift is the source of a remarkably preserved volcanic landscape with an array of exceptional features. Craters, cinder coves, lava tubes, deep cracks, and vast lava fields form a strangely beautiful volcanic sea on central Idaho's Snake River Plain.

Craters of the Moon

Craters of the Moon National Monument

The Bureau of Land Management's Craters of the Moon National Monument and
Preserve is a 750,000-acre geologic wonderland, managed jointly with the
National Park Service's Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.
Its central feature is the Great Rift, a 52-mile long crack in the Earth's
crust. The Great Rift is a remarkably preserved volcanic landscape. Exposed
fissures, lava fields, lava tubes, craters and cinder cones form a strangely
beautiful volcanic sea on central Idaho's Snake River Plain. This landscape
was formed by eruptions that started 15,000 years ago and represents the last
period of volcanic activity in this area. The most recent activity occurred
just 2,100 years ago, and is likely to continue. Craters of the Moon offers
countless opportunities for hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, wildlife
viewing and backcountry travel. For casual travelers the seven-mile Loop Road
and trails in the National Park Service Monument and Preserve provide easy
access to this weird and scenic landscape. A network of primitive roads in the
BLM backcountry offer driving and exploration opportunities for motorists with
high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicles. Note: All camping facilities are
managed by the National Park Service's Craters of the Moon National Monument
and Preserve. Dispersed, undeveloped camping is also available on BLM-managed
lands within and near the Monument.

The Bureau of Land Management's Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a 750,000-acre geologic wonderland, managed jointly with the National Park Service's Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Its central feature is the Great Rift, a 52-mile long crack in the Earth's crust. The Great Rift is a remarkably preserved volcanic landscape. Exposed fissures, lava fields, lava tubes, craters and cinder cones form a strangely beautiful volcanic sea on central Idaho's Snake River Plain. This landscape was formed by eruptions that started 15,000 years ago and represents the last period of volcanic activity in this area. The most recent activity occurred just 2,100 years ago, and is likely to continue. Craters of the Moon offers countless opportunities for hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, wildlife viewing and backcountry travel. For casual travelers the seven-mile Loop Road and trails in the National Park Service Monument and Preserve provide easy access to this weird and scenic landscape. A network of primitive roads in the BLM backcountry offer driving and exploration opportunities for motorists with high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicles.
Note: All camping facilities are managed by the National Park Service's Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Dispersed, undeveloped camping is also available on BLM-managed lands within and near the Monument.

Share the Experience Photo Contest - Photo Courtesy of Peter Reali

Share the Experience Photo Contest - Photo Courtesy of Frederick Melikian

The Great Rift is one of only two such features in the world. At 635 square
miles, it is considered to be the largest, deepest, and most recent volcanic
rift system in the continental United States. Many of Idaho`s most fascinating
geological features lie along this potential wilderness. A tremendous fissure
extending 65 miles opened up to emit successive lava flows some 15,000 years
ago. This volcanic landscape with spatter caves, ice tubes, caves, and cinder
cones awaits the adventurous desert hiker. It contains undisturbed and unusual
geologic features throughout the 380,000 acres of the Craters of the Moon and
Wapi lava flows. Abundant wildlife, including sage grouse, mourning doves,
mule deer, and antelope, inhabit the area. Visitors can marvel at the scale-
like formations of the Blue Dragon lava flow, hike the sharp and broken a`a
lava of the Bear Park Kipuka, and explore lava tube caves inhabited as early
as 1200 A.D.

The Great Rift is one of only two such features in the world. At 635 square miles, it is considered to be the largest, deepest, and most recent volcanic rift system in the continental United States. Many of Idaho`s most fascinating geological features lie along this potential wilderness. A tremendous fissure extending 65 miles opened up to emit successive lava flows some 15,000 years ago. This volcanic landscape with spatter caves, ice tubes, caves, and cinder cones awaits the adventurous desert hiker. It contains undisturbed and unusual geologic features throughout the 380,000 acres of the Craters of the Moon and Wapi lava flows. Abundant wildlife, including sage grouse, mourning doves, mule deer, and antelope, inhabit the area. Visitors can marvel at the scale-like formations of the Blue Dragon lava flow, hike the sharp and broken a`a lava of the Bear Park Kipuka, and explore lava tube caves inhabited as early as 1200 A.D.

Great Rift Backcountry Area

In Idaho, BLM manages over 33,000 acres of public lands in Little Deer
Wilderness Study Area. The rugged volcanic features and desert environment of
this area provide opportunities for hiking, camping and hunting.

In Idaho, BLM manages over 33,000 acres of public lands in Little Deer Wilderness Study Area. The rugged volcanic features and desert environment of this area provide opportunities for hiking, camping and hunting.

Great Rift ISA Wilderness Study Area

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

Bear Den Butte Wilderness Study Area

China Cup Butte ISA Wilderness Study Area

Craters of the Moon National Monument

Craters of the Moon National Monument

Great Rift Backcountry Area

Little Deer Wilderness Study Area