Photo: Matthew Dillon, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Craters_of_the_Moon_National_Monument_and_Preserve_(49067673333).jpg. Resized.
Craters Of The Moon
About two hours from town, a sea of lava flows and cinder cones opens up at Craters Of The Moon.
About Two Hours From Downtown Twin Falls
Craters Of The Moon National Monument and Preserve is a different world from the irrigated fields of the valley: black lava, cinder cones, and a huge night sky. The National Park Service lists the monument as 90 miles from Twin Falls, and the drive from downtown is about two hours. Navigate to the Robert Limbert Visitor Center at 1266 Craters Loop Road, and do not rely on GPS alone. The agency warns that digital navigation can send visitors onto unpaved roads.
Start at the visitor center for maps and current conditions. The scenic Loop Road is nine miles round trip and takes about 30 minutes to drive. Most trails are 1.8 miles or less one way, so you can walk several in a single visit. In summer and fall, as conditions allow, two lava tube caves, Indian Tunnel and Dewdrop Cave, may be open to visitors who pick up a free cave permit in person at the visitor center. The monument is also an International Dark Sky Park.
Best Time To Visit
Summer offers the most access, though it can be hot. Late spring is a favorite for wildflowers. In winter the Loop Road closes to vehicles and is groomed for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Peak visitation runs from June through September.
Getting There, Fees, And Hours
Plan on about two hours from downtown Twin Falls. An entrance fee of $20 per private vehicle covers seven consecutive days. America the Beautiful passes are accepted. When the Loop Road is not fully open to cars, roughly November through April, the Park Service does not charge an entrance fee. Visitor center hours change with the season, so check the official hours page before you go.