This Is Considered One Of The Best Road Trip Stops In Idaho And It Better Be On Your Bucket List
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When planning a road trip in Idaho, you
typically have one goal in mind: to see something extraordinary. While
the Gem State is certainly filled with amazing sights and the coolest
attractions, there are also gems that are unique to our great state. The
popular publication Country Living
released a list of the best road trip stops in each state. The
locations listed are places that are unique to the state and where you
won’t see anywhere else in the country. So, what is considered the best
road trip stop in Idaho? It’s none other than the fascinating Craters of
the Moon National Monument and Preserve.
Craters of the Moon is certainly
not the most beautiful sight in Idaho, but it is one of the most
fascinating natural wonders you will find in the Gem State.
Craters of the Moon is located in central Idaho and is essentially large fields of hardened lava flow.
What’s interesting about this lava
flow is it wasn’t created by a massive volcano. Rather, the eruptions
are called fissure eruptions that occur along the cracks in the earth’s
crust. It is estimated that these eruptions started approximately 15,000
years ago, with the most recent occurring approximately 2,100 years
ago. Some of these eruptions produce both small cinder cones and large
lava flows. At Craters of the Moon, there are at least 25 cinder cones.
There is a lot of interesting history that occurred at this National Monument and Preserve throughout the years.
For example, in 1969, the second
group of astronauts to walk on the moon visited Craters of the Moon to
prepare for their trip. They used the area to study volcanic geology and
to explore a harsh environment, similar to what they could expect in
space.
On your road trip in Idaho, you
may simply want to pass by the lava flow. But there is so much to see
and do in this area that you may find it is a full-day destination.
You’ll first want to stop by the
Robert Limbert Visitor Center. Here, you can learn all about the lava
flow, local wildlife and vegetation, the history of the area, and more.
This is also where you will receive cave permits if desired.
Give yourself plenty of time on
your road trip to explore a cave. These caves will make you feel like
you are on another planet and are absolutely remarkable.
To see several of the best caves at
Craters of the Moon, check out the Caves Trail, which is a 1.6-mile
round-trip trail. You can learn more about this trail here. However, be aware that these caves may be closed during the winter months due to ice and snow.
If you have the time, bring your
hiking boots along and go for a hike. There are various hikes at
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve that will take you to
one-of-a-kind scenery.
A few of the favorite trails
include the North Crater Trail, which is 3.5 miles and will take you
into the North Crater. The Inferno Cone is another popular trail that is
short but steep. It will take you to the top of a volcanic cone.
If you are visiting during the
summer months, take a drive on Loop Road. This 7-mile road will give you
excellent views of the lava flow. It is also the path that will take
you to many of the trails and activities at Craters of the Moon in
Idaho.
Be aware that this road may be closed during the winter months due to harsh weather conditions.
To learn more about Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve including its hours and seasonal closures and openings, click here. And, don’t forget to check out even more must-see road trip destinations in the country here.
Do you agree that Craters of the Moon is one of the most unique and
best road trip stops in Idaho? Is there another location you would have
preferred to see on this list? If so, tell us all about it in the
comments!
Address: Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Idaho, USA
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