Spring events at Craters of the Moon

Spring has sprung at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve .The Loop Road and campground are open, the mountain bluebirds are back, and wildflowers are beginning to bloom. Peak bloom on the lava flows and cinder slopes begins in early June.

The visitor center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Extended visitor center summer hours, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., begin on May 24. View our spectacular new park movie, "Craters: The Movie!," on the hour and half-hour throughout the day in the visitor center theater.

Join us for the following activities and special events:

June 1 and 8: Wildflower Walks (NHA): 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

June is the peak of the wildflower season at Craters of the Moon. Join former Park Ranger Doug Owen on a guided 2-mile walk that will cover a variety of habitats and introduce participants to a number of plant species. Donations will be accepted by the Natural History Association to support transportation assistance for local schools. Pack a lunch, bring water and wear sturdy shoes. Reservations are required and walks will be limited to 25 people. Contact the park at 208-527-1335 or crmo_information@nps.gov to make a reservation.

June 2: Labor Day: Ranger-guided Walks and Talks

Climb a volcano, explore a lava tube, join us for an evening presentation or a dark-sky viewing event. These events are offered daily throughout the summer. Look for a detailed schedule at: https://www.nps.gov/crmo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

June 14: Full Moon Hike

Experience Craters of the Moon beneath the full moon! Bring a flashlight, hiking shoes, water, and your curiosity about our lunar connections. Reservations are required and walks will be limited to 25 people. Contact the park at 208-527-1335 or crmo_information@nps.gov to make a reservation.

June 14-15: Nature Photography Seminar

The seminar from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday will focus on tips, techniques, and practices to improve your nature photography. Field session is all day Saturday, which is Nature Photography Day. Donations will be accepted by the Natural History Association to support transportation assistance for local schools. Reservations are required and the class is limited to 25 people. Contact the park at 208-527-1335 or crmo_information@nps.gov to make a reservation.

June 28-29: Star Party

Join experts from the Idaho Falls Astronomical Society and our very own “Astro-Ranger” to experience the universe at this International Dark Sky Park. Opportunities for solar viewing will be available at the visitor center both days. At 9:30 p.m. each evening there will be a presentation about the night sky at the campground amphitheater. Then head to the Caves Area parking lot for telescope viewing of the skies above. Call 208-527-1335 for more information.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *