Located within the Snake River Plain in central Idaho, Craters of the Moon National Monument is home to one of the state’s most unique landscapes. Consisting mostly of ancient lava flows and lava tubes, exploring this park is a must for anybody who enjoys a rugged adventure. The park’s Cave Trail makes seeing the best of Craters of the Moon as simple as can be. Taking you to the park’s four accessible caves, this brief trail will take you to another world.
There's definitely a lot to see at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve near Arco, Idaho. The brief but otherworldly Caves Trail is the perfect place to start your adventure!
A permit is required to enter any of the caves at Craters of the Moon. Cave permits are free and can be obtained at the visitor center during business hours.
At Craters of the Moon, there are a total of four caves you can explore. The park's other caves are closed to the public to protect the sensitive bat populations. Don't worry, though. These four caves boast some of the park's most epic scenery.
The Caves Trail is a 1.6-mile round-trip trail that takes visitors to all four accessible caves: Indian Tunnel, Dewdrop Cave, Beauty Cave, and Boy Scout Cave. Each cave is unique in its own way and makes for a fantastic sight.
Perhaps the most popular cave at Craters of the Moon, Indian Tunnel is the easiest cave to access. A staircase provides entry to the cave so you can climb down and explore the 800-foot tunnel yourself. Be sure to wear sturdy, close-toed shoes!
The caves at Craters of the Moon are lava tubes that were formed thousands of years ago by hot rivers of molten rock. Today, these underground tubes are a fragile habitat for many types of wildlife.
Both the Dewdrop Cave and Beauty Cave are rated as moderately difficult with open, bouldered entrances. Boy Scout Cave is the most difficult to access with a tight, rocky entrance. Long sleeves, pants, kneepads, and helmets are highly recommended for venturing into these tighter spaces.
The park encourages hikers to "cave softly" when visiting this fascinating destination. Stay on available trails and leave no trace. Eating, drinking, smoking is not permitted, and the park asks that you look but don't touch whenever possible. Learn more by visiting the National Park Service website.
