Saturday, November 5, 2011

Craters of the Moon

Craters of the Moon National Park is located in the southern portion of Idaho. As its name implies, this national park looks as though it is located on the surface of the moon rather than here on Earth. The area is home to dormant volcanoes that have left the area covered in craters, ash and volcanic rocks that give the park its unique look.



The park can be accessed with a 7-mile loop road that winds its way through the moon-like landscape. Visitors can stop at specific points to explore the surrounding area through hiking trails and viewpoints. One word of caution to visitors...make sure you have enough water before leaving on the 7-mile loop because the park offers no running water.

Craters of the Moon National Park features trails for all experience levels, allowing everyone to experience the different craters in the park. Some of the trails are less than a mile long, which is perfect for the beginning hiker. If you want to take a longer hike, some of the moderate trails measure 4 and 8 miles long. Some of the cones visitors can enjoy viewing include North Crater, Inferno Cone, Broken Top, the Snow Cone (a volcano that has snow in its crater) and the Spatter Cones.

More adventurous visitors can purchase a cave permit to explore the caves on the property. A screening for white-nose syndrome, a disease that has negatively impacted the bat population in the caves, is also required. As you explore the caves, it is important to remember that the terrain is fragile and you must legally leave things as you found them. The caves in the park include Boy Scout Cave, Indian Tunnel Cave and Dew Drop Cave. Indian Tunnel Cave is the only one you can explore without a source of light.

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