Physical Address:

Craters of the Moon National Monument

1266 Craters Loop Road

Arco, ID 83213

Mailing Address:

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

1266 Craters Loop Road

Arco, ID 83213

contact-details

  • Phone Number: 2085271300 Voice

  • Phone Number: 2085273073 Fax

  • Email Address: crmo_information@nps.gov

  • Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees
  • Entrance - Private Vehicle: $20.00
  • This per-vehicle fee applies to private, non-commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days. The fee covers the driver and any passengers.

  • Entrance - Motorcycle: $15.00
  • This motorcycle fee provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.

  • Commercial Entrance - Sedan: $25.00
  • This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.

  • Entrance - Per Person: $10.00
  • This per-person fee provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days. Youth age 15 and under are free.

  • Entrance - Education/Academic Groups: $0.00
  • Classes or groups from accredited academic institutions may apply for a fee waiver ahead of their visit by contacting the park. Academic fee waivers are not granted automatically. Educational groups must apply and meet the two criteria to receive a fee waiver: 1) eligibility and 2) educational purpose and relevance of park resources or facilities. Groups that choose to not make a reservation or apply for an academic fee waiver will be charged the standard entrance fee per vehicle.

  • Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach: $100.00
  • This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.

  • Commercial Entrance - Van: $40.00
  • This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.

Entrance Passes
  • Annual Entrance - Park: $35.00
  • Annual entrance pass for Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve only. Valid for one year through the month of purchase. This pass can be purchased at the park entrance station.


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.

park designation:National Monument & Preserve

Directions:

Visitor Center and Loop Drive are located 18 miles southwest of Arco, Idaho on U.S. Highway 20/26/93, 24 miles northeast of Carey, Idaho on U.S. Highway 20/26/93, 84 miles from Idaho Falls, and 90 miles from Twin Falls. Physical address is 1266 Craters Loop Road(Lat/Long: 43° 27.711'N/113° 33.7) Access to the main visitor use area is via a paved highway. Unpaved roads provide additional access to the BLM monument and NPS Preserve but should only be utilized by four wheel drive and high clearance vehicles.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions


Operating Hours:

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

The Loop Road is typically open from mid April through late November. High clearance four-wheel drive is highly recommended on BLM Monument roads and are impassible when snow or water is present.

Craters of the Moon National Monument

The scenic Loop Road is open to vehicles as conditions allow. The Loop Road is generally open to motorized vehicles from late April through late November.

Exceptions:
  • Winter Closure of Loop Road (December 2, 2024 - April 30, 2025)

Weather Information:

Weather at Craters of the Moon is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. In February, average snow depth ranges from 26 inches at the north end of the monument to just 2 inches at the south end. Intense summer sun bakes the black lava, generating surface temperatures of 170°F and air temperatures in the 90s. Drying winds are a daily occurrence, especially in the afternoon, and may reach 15 to 30 miles per hour.


Activities
Auto and ATV
Auto and ATV

Scenic Driving
Scenic Driving

Astronomy
Astronomy

Stargazing
Stargazing

Biking
Biking

Road Biking
Road Biking

Camping
Camping

Backcountry Camping
Backcountry Camping

Caving
Caving

Hiking
Hiking

Backcountry Hiking
Backcountry Hiking

Junior Ranger Program
Junior Ranger Program

Skiing
Skiing

Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-Country Skiing

Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing

Wildlife Watching
Wildlife Watching

Birdwatching
Birdwatching

Park Film
Park Film

Museum Exhibits
Museum Exhibits

Shopping
Shopping

Bookstore and Park Store
Bookstore and Park Store

Gift Shop and Souvenirs
Gift Shop and Souvenirs