Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve
Hours
See this week's hours below.
- Entrance fee
- $20 · private vehicle
- Phone
- 2085271300
- Address
- Craters of the Moon National Monument, Arco, ID 83213
About Craters Of The Moon
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.
Hours
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
The Loop Road is typically open from mid April through late November as conditions allow.
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Entrance fees
| 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | $15 | Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. |
| Commercial Sedan | $25 | This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days. |
| Per Person | $10 | This per-person fee provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days. Youth age 15 and under are free. |
| Education/Academic Groups | Free | 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 Motor Coach | $100 | This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days. |
| Commercial Van | $40 | This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days. |
An America the Beautiful pass covers the entrance fee at every site that charges one.
Getting there
Visitor Center and Loop Drive are located 18 miles southwest of Arco, Idaho on U.S. Highway 20/26/93, 24 miles northeast of Carey, Idaho on U.S. Highway 20/26/93, 84 miles from Idaho Falls, and 90 miles from Twin Falls. Physical address is 1266 Craters Loop Road(Lat/Long: 43° 27.711'N/113° 33.7) Access to the main visitor use area is via a paved highway. Unpaved roads provide additional access to the BLM monument and NPS Preserve but should only be utilized by four wheel drive and high clearance vehicles.
Weather
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.
Things to do
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.
Source: National Park Service data feed, checked September 24, 2026. Hours shown are the Park Service's posted standard hours plus any date changes it lists. Official page for Craters Of The Moon ↗