Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve
Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush.
Photo: NPS / David Hunter / NPS
About Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve
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.
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Driving times from Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$20.00This 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
$15.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
$25.00This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.
Entrance - Per Person
$10.00This per-person fee provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days. Youth age 15 and under are free.
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
FreeClasses 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
$100.00This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.
Commercial Entrance - Van
$40.00This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.
Hours
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
Activities
Getting there
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.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve?
- Entrance to Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve starts at $10. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve?
- Popular activities include Astronomy, Auto and ATV, Backcountry Camping, Backcountry Hiking, Biking, Birdwatching.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Minidoka National Historic Site (6 h 28 min), Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument (6 h 50 min), City Of Rocks National Reserve (7 h 56 min), Golden Spike National Historical Park (9 h 11 min).