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Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

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Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

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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.

Activities: Astronomy · Auto and ATV · Backcountry Camping · Backcountry Hiking · Biking · Birdwatching · Bookstore and Park Store · Camping · Caving · Cross-Country Skiing · Gift Shop and Souvenirs · Hiking · Junior Ranger Program · Museum Exhibits · Park Film · Road Biking · Scenic Driving · Shopping · Skiing · Snowshoeing · Stargazing · Wildlife Watching

Published entrance fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle

$20 · This 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 · Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

Commercial Entrance - Sedan

$25 · This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.

Entrance - Per Person

$10 · This per-person fee provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days. Youth age 15 and under are free.

Entrance - Education/Academic Groups

$0 · Classes 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 · This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.

Commercial Entrance - Van

$40 · This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.

Published passes

Annual Entrance - Park

$35 · Annual entrance pass for Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve only. Valid for one year through the month of purchase. This pass can be purchased at the park entrance station.

Published operating hours

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve · The Loop Road is typically open from mid April through late November as conditions allow.

Fees, facilities and activities are the 2026-10-03 NPS snapshot. Historical visitation describes recorded visits, not crowding forecasts or present conditions.

Plan your visit

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.

Campgrounds (1)

• Lava Flow Campground

Official NPS information and current conditions ↗