Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
While in Idaho and on our way to Yellowstone National Park, we took a pit stop at Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve in central Idaho.
This monument, located in the Snake River Plain, is a testament to lava formations left over from an ancient volcano which experienced activity between 17,000 and 2,000 years ago.
While the monument is 83 square miles, the lava field is actually much larger with the park including an astounding 53,545 acres. You can take the easily driveable seven-mile loop around the park and venture out at several nature walks, but be sure to stay on the path.
The main natural features here are the volcanic formations themselves, but be sure to appreciate the fragrant sagebrush, pikas and beware of the occasionally-spotted bears.
Be sure to dress cool as temperatures on Craters of the Moon can reach 150 degrees F in the summer due to the black lava absorbing the sun. Oh, and try not to be disappointed that there’s no actual hot lava, you’ll just have to vacay to Hawaii to see that natural wonder.