The best walks and hikes in Craters Of The Moon National Monument
5.0
(18)
346
hikers
17
hikes
Hikes in Craters of the Moon National Monument explore a vast volcanic landscape in Idaho. The region is characterized by expansive lava fields, cinder cones, and deep rift cracks formed by ancient eruptions. Most trails are accessible from a main scenic loop road, offering routes across varied volcanic features.
Best hiking trails in Craters Of The Moon National Monument
- The most popular hiking route is Broken Top Loop Trail, a 1.6 mile (2.6 km) trail that takes around 45 minutes to complete. This loop showcases a wide variety of volcanic features, including a lava bowl and lava bombs.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Caves Trail, an easy 1.3 mile (2.1 km) path. The trail leads to the entrances of several large lava tubes.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Inferno Cone Trail, a 0.4 mile (0.7 km) trail leading through a field of cinders, often completed in about 15 minutes.
- Hiking in Craters of the Moon National Monument is defined by trails across solidified lava flows, ascents up cinder cones, and paths through sagebrush steppe. The trail network offers short, accessible routes suitable for most ability levels.
- The routes in Craters Of The Moon National Monument are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from more than 20 reviews. More than 350 hikers have used komoot to explore Craters Of The Moon National Monument's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
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.
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34
hikers
4.07km
01:03
20m
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.
31
hikers
5.72km
01:35
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Craters Of The Moon National Monument
Other adventures in Craters Of The Moon National Monument
Tips from the Community
On the 1.8-mile Broken Top Loop Trail, you can observe almost all the volcanic features of the basalt eruptions that created this unique landscape. With an elevation gain of just 242 feet, you'll circle the extinct Broken Top volcano and pass Buffalo Cave. This trail is also the access point to the Wilderness Trail.
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When flaming hot lava hit the trees in this area, the trees fell and ignited. Even today you can see the relics of the "molten" trees and holes that a standing tree left behind.
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The 2-mile (roundtrip) Tree Molds Trail leads you through bushes and pine forests to the edge of the Blue Dragon Flow. Here, numerous trees were knocked over and ignited by molten lava. You can still see the imprints of the charred tree trunks in the lava rock along this trail today. In some places, however, the trees remained standing as the lava flowed around them, leaving vertical imprints in the cooling lava.
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Once you make it to the 6,181 foot summit of Inferno Cone, there is a single old tree that offers some shade. Enjoy the stunning view over the dramatic landscape with the nearby Spatter Cones, the Great Rift, the Snake River Plain, and the Pioneer Mountains.
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The Inferno Cone Trail is no true trail: over half a mile, you just walk straight up the steep cinder cone of the Inferno Cone where a single old tree offers some shade. The view over the dramatic landscape with the Great Rift, the Snake River Plain, and the Pioneer Mountains is breathtaking! It can be pretty windy up here.
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The Caves Trail leads to four different caves that are actually lava tubes: Dewdrop Cave, Indian Tunnel, Boy Scout Cave and Beauty Cave. Some of the caves might be closed to protect bats or for the season and you need to obtain a free permit from the Visitor Center to enter any cave. While walking above the ground, you can discover fascinating formations that were created by the latest lava flow: the Blue Dragon Lava Flow with bluish lava.
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The "Indian Tunnel" is the largest and longest of the lava tubes along the Caves Trail that can be accessed. To do so, you need to obtain a free permit at the Visitor Center. You will climb over rocks that can be slippery in places, but it is a unique small adventure. On the ceiling of the tube you can see lava stalactites formed as the river of lava pulled away from the ceiling, and molten material began to drip from the hot ceiling. The exit is about 800 feet further north.
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The northern entrance of the "Indian Tunnel" is mostly used as an exit since you enter the lava tube from further south. Once you get out of the lava tube, follow the wooden poles over the lava back to the Caves Trail.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the monument?
Yes, the monument has several short and accessible trails perfect for families. The Devils Orchard Nature Trail is a paved, half-mile loop that is wheelchair-friendly and winds through a unique landscape of cinder fragments. Another great option is the Spatter Cones Trail, a very short paved path that lets you look directly into the vents of mini-volcanoes.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Pets are not permitted on any of the hiking trails within Craters of the Moon. They are allowed on paved roads and in the campground, but must be leashed at all times. For their safety, they should not be left in vehicles, as temperatures can become dangerously high.
What are the best trails for seeing unique geological features?
For a close look at the eerie impressions left by lava-incinerated trees, the Tree Molds Trail is a fascinating choice. This trail takes you through a landscape where you can see these detailed natural casts in the solidified lava.
Are there any circular walks available?
The Broken Top Loop Trail is a popular circular hike. This 1.6-mile (2.6 km) loop provides a great overview of the volcanic landscape, showcasing features like a lava bowl and lava bombs without needing to backtrack.
I want to explore the lava tube caves. What do I need to know?
To explore the caves, you can follow the Caves Trail, which leads to several lava tubes like the large Indian Tunnel. Before entering any cave, you must obtain a free cave permit from the visitor center. This is required to help prevent the spread of White-Nose Syndrome in bats. Be aware that caves can be closed seasonally due to ice or to protect bat populations.
Which hike offers the best panoramic views?
For breathtaking 360-degree views of the entire monument, the Inferno Cone Trail is unmatched. It's a short but steep climb up a cinder cone, and from the top, you can see the vast lava fields, the Great Rift, and even the Teton Range on a clear day.
How many hiking trails are in Craters of the Moon?
There are around 20 designated hiking trails in the monument. These range from very short, paved nature walks to more strenuous backcountry routes, offering opportunities for all fitness levels to explore the volcanic terrain.
What do other hikers think of the trails in this region?
The trails in Craters of the Moon are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of nearly 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the unique, otherworldly landscapes and the chance to walk across ancient lava flows and explore volcanic cones.
Are there any strenuous hikes for a challenge?
Yes, the North Crater Trail is a strenuous 3.5-mile (5.6 km) one-way hike that offers a more challenging experience. It takes you into the mouth of the North Crater and provides stunning views of the colorful crater walls and surrounding landscape.
Is it possible to hike here in the winter?
Yes, but the experience is very different. The scenic Loop Road closes to vehicles but opens for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. This provides a unique and serene way to explore the snow-covered lava fields. You must bring your own equipment as there are no rentals in the park.
What should I bring for a hike in Craters of the Moon?
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are essential as the lava rock is sharp and uneven. The environment is very exposed with little shade, so bring plenty of water (at least 1 gallon/4 liters per person, per day), sun protection like a hat and sunscreen, and a flashlight or headlamp if you plan to explore the caves.
Is there an entrance fee for the monument?
Yes, Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve requires an entrance fee for all visitors. You can find the most current fee information and options for park passes on the official National Park Service website for the monument.
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