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Arco ~ Craters of the Moon National Monument ~ Idaho ~ National Park ~ US Destinations

Craters of the Moon National Monument

by
Jen Vargas
Craters of the Moon National Monument

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is located in Arco, Idaho. The unique terrain, formed by earthquake activity, appears similar to the moon’s surface. The now-protected basaltic lava field was formed from volcanic lava eruptions over the past 15,000 years.

In fact, NASA has used this area to train astronauts about geology. Alan Shepard, Edgar Mitchell, Joe Engle, and Eugene Cernan all came to Craters of the Moon to prepare for their trip to space in the 1960’s. They explored the lava landscape and learned about volcanic geology. Because they would have limited space to bring moon rock samples back to Earth, it was necessary for them to identify rocks on the moon. Today this Preserve is still be used for ongoing space research.

We visited in early September, avoiding the heat of summer, in this area with no shade!

There were 6 main stops that we explored for the day, each having its own unique qualities:

1. Visitor’s Center

Beginning with a stop at the Visitor’s Center, we watched a movie that gave us background of the area. Next, we grabbed a map and obtained the required pass to visit the caves, before setting off on our self-guided tour.

2. North Crater Flow

North Crater Flow is one of the Parks youngest lava flows, which formed about 2,200 year ago. The purplish-blue tint is from the tiny pieces of obsidian on its surface.

3. Devil’s Orchard

Devil’s Orchard

Devil’s Orchard formed as the result of a violent eruption which carried chunks of the crater wall into this area. Today these rock fragments are surrounded by bushes and trees that have grown over the past 2000 years.

Devil’s Orchard
Devil’s Orchard

4. Inferno Cone

Inferno Cone is a cinder cone that stands 6,181 feet tall. From the parking lot, you can climb to the top, gaining 160 feet of elevation in a quarter of a mile. My son and I took on the challenge, and each time we thought we were approaching the top, another hill appeared above it. The views at the top were stunning!

5. Spatter Cones

Next we walked up one of the spatter cones. Spatter cones are made from lava that was ejected from a vent. They are very fragile and vulnerable to damage, and are essentially mini-volcanoes.

6. The Caves Trail

Aside from climbing the Cinder Cone, the caves were my favorite part of our visit. The most common type of the 400+ caves discovered there are actually Lava Tubes. Lava Tubes form when the lava flow cools the exterior crust, but lava continues to flow within the cave. Only a handful are able to be explored by visitors. The largest, Indian Tunnel, was where we spent most of our time.

We really enjoyed our visit to Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Click here for information about visiting.


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3 thoughts on “Craters of the Moon National Monument”

  • Diane M Fiello says:
    July 4, 2020 at 12:12 pm

    cool

    Reply
    • Jen Vargas says:
      July 4, 2020 at 5:07 pm

      Yes, maybe you’d like to see it while you’re out here?

      Reply
  • Pingback: Which state is home to the Craters of the Moon National Monument? – The Millennial Mirror

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About Travel 50 States

My parents instilled a love of travel within me since my childhood, when they took my sisters and I on some memorable trips around the United States, exposing us to historical sites and vast landscapes.

My dad has visited nearly all 50 states, but my mother has visited EVERY one of the 50 states, a grand accomplishment, and a tradition that I will strive to live on with my own family.

This blog is a way for me to chronicle my travels, as well as share my experiences with others.  My hope is that I can be a resource for your own journey, whether it helps you to learn about places you plan to travel, allows you to reminisce about a similar journey you’ve taken, or simply brings you along for the ride.

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