Craters of the Moon National Monument is in Idaho, but it literally looks like you have just landed on another planet. In fact, we learned by watching the park movie that NASA astronauts actually visited there to train for moon missions in 1969 and later spent time there researching missions to Mars. Is that cool or what?!
Craters of the Moon
This park is very easy to visit as it’s not large and you could easily visit in a day. There is a 7 mile loop drive through the park with plenty of beautiful places to stop and admire the views. You also have the option to hike and explore some caves.
Hiking up Inferno Cone
Our first stop was a short hike up the hill to see Inferno Cone.
The next stop was Spatter Cones and Snow Cones.
Spatter Cones
Our favorite was exploring the caves. The first cave we explored was Indian Tunnel. That is an easy cave to explore if you didn’t bring flashlights. There is plenty of natural light in this cave.
Staircase down into Indian Tunnel
Indian Tunnel
Lots of natural light coming into Indian Tunnel
We went back another evening to explore the dark caves and remembered to bring flashlights.
Some of these caves had some tight spots to squeeze through!
Inside one of the caves there was a lot of ice, and somehow we got a good picture of some of it by shining a flashlight on it.
I’m not gonna lie, it was creepy in those dark caves. The kids loved it and kept wanting to go further into them. I went along with them because I didn’t want them to get lost, but I have to admit I was a little nervous. Sometimes Chris stayed out of the caves just in case someone needed to call for help to come and rescue us. At least that’s his story, and he’s sticking to it. 😉
Craters of the Moon is such a beautiful and unusual place to see and explore!
We stayed at Craters of the Moon KOA in Arco, and I’m sorry to say it was one of the worst RV parks we’ve ever stayed at. I wouldn’t recommend it, however ironically we moved from there to one of the best parks we’ve ever stayed at. Stay tuned for that next.
4 Radical Roadschoolers and a Fat Cat 
I’ve planned to visit this park multiple times and for one reason or another we’ve had to change plans. However it isn’t too far away from our home base in Kamiah, Idaho where we are now so I’m sure it will happen someday 😊. Where are you guys now?
Heather
Sent from my iPhone, please excuse any typos.
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Hi Heather, we’re in Canada at a place you recommended to me. Now that you’re in Idaho, I hope you make it to Craters of the Moon soon.
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Looks like you guys are having a good time. That place looks incredible, Bonnie and I will have to travel there one of these days to see it. We’re back home to the same old thing.
Take care.
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Hi Wes and Bonnie, it’s good to hear from you! We were at Craters of the Moon the week before we met you in McCall. I’ll be posting about our time in McCall soon. I hope to see you guys again somewhere!
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I love this place! Great photos!
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Thank you Diana!
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By far one of our favorite places! You got some great pics! Keep having fun guys!!
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Thank you Nina! When are you going back to Disney?
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Craters of the Moon sounds like my kind of place. My family loves exploring caves, so this will have to be another one to put on our list. Thank you! Glad you guys had such a great visit!
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Thank you! I always enjoy reading your kind comments.
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