Where is Craters of the Moon National Monument, Arco, Idaho?

Written by | Updated On: December 08, 2025, 13:55 ET

Craters of the Moon National Monument is located in Idaho, USA.It lies between the towns of Arco and Carey, situated in the Snake River Plain area, and is famous for its volcanic landscapes, lava fields, and unique geological formations.

Craters of the Moon National Monument Location Map, Arco, Idaho

Where is Craters of the Moon National Monument Located in Arco, Idaho
About Map: The map showing location of Craters of the Moon National Monument in the Arco, Idaho in the United States.

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Top Attractions Inside Craters of the Moon National Monument

  • Inferno Cone – Cinder cone offering panoramic views of the lava fields and surrounding landscape.
  • North Crater Flow – Extensive lava flow with trails exploring rugged volcanic terrain.
  • Tree Molds – Preserved impressions of ancient trees trapped in lava flows.
  • Devil’s Orchard – Area featuring unusual lava formations resembling a twisted forest.
  • Lava Tube Caves – Underground tunnels formed by flowing lava, ideal for exploration.
  • Loop Road Scenic Drive – Scenic route connecting key volcanic features with pull-offs for photography.
  • Visitor Center Exhibits – Educational displays explaining volcanic history, geology, and ecology.

Craters of the Moon National Monument Facts

Official NameCraters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
LocationButte, Blaine, and Lincoln counties, Idaho, USA
Latitude & Longitude43.4597° N, 113.4817° W (approx. visitor center)
Total AreaApproximately 1,117,000 acres (4,520 km²)
EstablishedMay 2, 1924 (National Monument), expanded and designated National Preserve in 2000
Managed ByU.S. National Park Service (NPS)
Region / Landscape TypeVolcanic plateau with lava fields, cinder cones, spatter cones, pahoehoe and aa lava, sagebrush steppe
Main FeaturesLava flows, cinder cones, lava tubes, craters, spatter cones, sagebrush plains, extinct volcanic formations
Visitor ActivitiesHiking, caving, scenic driving, photography, ranger-led programs, stargazing
Famous TrailsDevil's Orchard, Inferno Cone Trail, North Crater Flow Trail, Tree Molds Trail, Spatter Cones Trail
WildlifePronghorn, coyotes, mule deer, ground squirrels, birds, reptiles
AccessibilityAccessible via U.S. Highway 20; visitor center with parking; some trails accessible for limited mobility
Nearby TownsArco (~16 miles), Carey (~25 miles)
Entry / FeesFree for National Monument; some guided tours may charge fees
Best Time to VisitMay–September (warmer weather and snow-free trails)
Annual VisitorsApprox. 85,000–100,000 visitors
Time ZoneMountain Time (MT) — UTC−7 Standard / UTC−6 Daylight Saving
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/crmo
Famous ForVast lava fields, volcanic formations, lava tubes, unique geology and landscape resembling the Moon
UNESCO / National StatusDesignated as a U.S. National Monument (1924) and National Preserve (2000)

Distances from Craters of the Moon National Monument to Nearby Landmarks

  • Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Devil’s Orchard – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Inferno Cone – 5 km (3 mi)
  • North Crater Flow – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Tree Molds – 3 km (1.8 mi)
  • Lava Cast Forest – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Big Craters Loop – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Wapi Lava Flow – 10 km (6 mi)
  • Kings Bowl Lava Field – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Arco, Idaho – 57 km (35 mi)
  • Atomic City, Idaho – 40 km (25 mi)
  • Sunbeam, Idaho – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Little Wood River – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Shoshone, Idaho – 70 km (43 mi)
  • Salmon River – 120 km (75 mi)
  • Lost River Range – 60 km (37 mi)
  • Arco High School – 57 km (35 mi)
  • Craters of the Moon Campground – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Monument Cave – 5 km (3 mi)
  • Lava Flow Trail – 4 km (2.5 mi)