Craters of the moon
BY Chrissy Wells
description
Craters of the Moon is 618 square miles of lava flow that had 8 major eruptions over the last 15 to 20 thousand years. Locals called it the Valley of the Moon because they said it resembled the moon’s surface. It became known as Craters of the Moon when Robert Limbert wrote about the area in an article. Limbert was the first man to explore the area and encourage visitors. In 1824, the name "Craters of the Moon" became official.
Craters of the Moon are made up of three separate lava flows. The national park not only includes the lava flow, but an additional 400 square miles of sage brush. Over time the lava flows have started growing plants that can survive Idaho’s dry summers, like sage brush. The older lava flows can be seen covered in such brush.
The rift that runs under the Craters of the Moon is about 52 miles long. There are craters, some reaching upwards of 800 feet into the earth. Other things that you can see besides the lava flows are tree molds, lava tubes, and the different kinds of basaltic lava.
During the Western expansion of the United States, trails to Oregon and California cut across the lava flows near Massacre Rocks state park. In 1970, Craters of the Moon was the first federal wilderness area in the park system. And Craters of the Moon didn't officially become a state park until August 2002.
Contrary to popular belief, the second groups of astronauts did not train at Craters of the moon, but only studied the geology and become familiar with the harsh and inhospitable environment that is similar to the moon.
Craters of the Moon is considered to be a dormant volcano. Geologist say it will become active in the next 1,000 years, although there hasn't been any signs of swelling or earthquakes
Craters of the Moon are made up of three separate lava flows. The national park not only includes the lava flow, but an additional 400 square miles of sage brush. Over time the lava flows have started growing plants that can survive Idaho’s dry summers, like sage brush. The older lava flows can be seen covered in such brush.
The rift that runs under the Craters of the Moon is about 52 miles long. There are craters, some reaching upwards of 800 feet into the earth. Other things that you can see besides the lava flows are tree molds, lava tubes, and the different kinds of basaltic lava.
During the Western expansion of the United States, trails to Oregon and California cut across the lava flows near Massacre Rocks state park. In 1970, Craters of the Moon was the first federal wilderness area in the park system. And Craters of the Moon didn't officially become a state park until August 2002.
Contrary to popular belief, the second groups of astronauts did not train at Craters of the moon, but only studied the geology and become familiar with the harsh and inhospitable environment that is similar to the moon.
Craters of the Moon is considered to be a dormant volcano. Geologist say it will become active in the next 1,000 years, although there hasn't been any signs of swelling or earthquakes
Best times to visit and fees
The best time to visit is in the morning or in the late afternoon in July through September. In the summer, there are Saturday morning hikes offered by park staff to show off the different types of beauty that Craters of the Moon have. Some of these walks include wildflowers, geology, wilderness, birds, and others.
To enter the park,
To enter the park,
- $8 per vehicle
- $4 per person on foot
- Children under the age of 15 get in for free
- In the winter time, when the loop drive is closed, vehicles and pedestrians enter for free.
- There are other fees associated with camping, you can go to: http://www.nps.gov/crmo/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm.
Map
location
Craters of the Moon are just outside of Arco and Carey, Idaho.