The National Park Service is celebrating the dawn of its second century by offering free entry to properties that usually charge a fee — and Southern Idaho’s Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is on that list!
Craters of the Moon usually charges $10 per vehicle or $5 per bicycle, motorcycle, or pedestrian. But during the following dates in 2017, you can travel the park without spending a dime.
- April 15-16 and 22-23: Part of National Park Week
- August 25: To celebrate National Park Service birthday
- September 30: As part of National Public Lands Day
- November 11-12: For Veterans Day weekend
You’ll still have to pay a fee if you wish to camp ($15 per campsite during the high season and $8 per campsite in early and late season), but your savings of $10 will cover most (or all) of that daily fee.
There’s plenty to do at Craters of the Moon.
Camping. Where else can you camp at the base of a 12,000-year-old cinder cone? Read more about campgrounds and reservations.
Caving and spelunking. Craters of the Moon is riddled with miles of lava tubes, creating an ideal place for hardy subterranean explorers. Don’t forget to pick up your free permit before you go!
Admire the blooms. Craters of the Moon may seem like an unlikely spot for wildflowers, but these tenacious blooms are sure to be spectacular this year thanks to the abundance of water Southern Idaho received during the winter. Check out the park’s seasonal list before you go.
Take a hike. Try the North Crater Flow, Spatter Cones, and Devil’s Orchard trails for one-hour hikes, or hike from Big Craters to the Spatter Cones parking lot for an extended hike. Craters of the Moon offers backcountry hiking, too. Don’t forget to pick up your permit at the Visitor’s Center.