Craters of the Moon full-day hike: Volcanic cones & lava tubes

Climb an ancient cinder cone and descend into a collapsed lava tunnel

A full-day guided tour of Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho combines short hikes across volcanic terrain with stops at the Visitor Center, North Crater Flow, Devil's Orchard, and Indian Tunnel. The tour includes a climb to Inferno Cone for panoramic views of the Great Rift and Big Cinder Butte, a box lunch at the Cave Area, and entry to all sites. Pickup and air-conditioned transport are included. The tour runs 7 to 8 hours and welcomes children from age 14.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Craters of the Moon National Monument

• Visit Robert Lambert Visitor Center
• Walk North Crater Flow trail
• Stroll through Devil's Orchard
• Hike up Inferno Cone volcano
• Lunch break at Cave Area
• Explore Indian Tunnel lava tube
• Walk to Spatter Cones summit

The experience

You start at the Robert Lambert Visitor Center, where exhibits and ranger presentations explain how Apollo astronauts trained on this rugged landscape for the 1969 moon landing. From there, the guide takes you through the monument's key sites: a short walk across North Crater Flow to see monoliths rafted by ancient lava, then Devil's Orchard, where lava fragments stand like islands in a sea of cinders. Interpretive signs along the way frame questions about preservation of this fragile landscape.

The physical centerpiece is Inferno Cone, a half-mile round-trip hike with 160 feet of elevation gain that rewards you with a 360-degree view of the volcanic terrain: the fissures of the Great Rift and Big Cinder Butte, one of the world's largest basaltic cinder cones, spread out below. After lunch at the Cave Area, you enter Indian Tunnel, the park's largest lava tube, where collapsed sections let daylight filter through. The route also includes Spatter Cones, miniature volcanoes formed when lava was thrown into the air during the final stages of eruption, and a walk to overlook views of the Snake River Canyon.

Throughout the day, the guide points out the flora and fauna that appear in different stages across the seasons: plants and animals adapted to this volcanic terrain. The air-conditioned vehicle handles transport between stops, and a box lunch (sandwich, chips, fresh-baked cookie or brownie, and bottled water) is provided midday. All entry fees and taxes are included.

What’s included

• Pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• entry to all monument sites.
• guided access to the Visitor Center, North Crater Flow, Devil's Orchard, Inferno Cone, Indian Tunnel, and Spatter Cones.
• box lunch with sandwich, chips, fresh-baked cookie or brownie, and bottled water.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 16 May 2027

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Child (14 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 19 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Big Green Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?The tour involves several short walks and a half-mile hike with modest elevation gain, so it suits travelers comfortable with a mix of paved trails and a climb to a viewpoint. If you prefer minimal walking or have mobility constraints, ask the operator about which stops can be accessed from the vehicle.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years); Child (14 years). Children under 14 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Visitor Center at Craters of the Moon like?

The Robert Lambert Visitor Center is an interactive museum with films, exhibits, ranger-led presentations, a bookstore, and gift shop. You pick up a map and explore the exhibits before heading out to the monument's trails and volcanic features.

How much walking and climbing does this tour involve?

The tour includes several short walks: a quarter-mile paved trail at North Crater Flow, a half-mile paved walk through Devil's Orchard, and a half-mile round-trip hike up Inferno Cone with 160 feet of elevation gain. You also walk into Indian Tunnel lava tube and visit Spatter Cones. Most trails are short and paved or well-established, though Inferno Cone requires a modest climb.

What happens inside Indian Tunnel?

Indian Tunnel is the largest lava tube in the park. You walk down into it (collapsed portions let light filter in from above), and can climb through to the top of the tunnel and exit onto the ancient lava fields surrounding it.

When does the tour stop for lunch, and what is included?

Lunch is served at the Cave Area, roughly midway through the day. You receive a box lunch with a sandwich, chips, a fresh-baked cookie or brownie, and bottled water. Additional snacks and beverages are not included.

What wildlife or plants might I see during the tour?

Craters of the Moon is home to unique flora and fauna that appear in different stages throughout the year. The guide will point out plants and animals adapted to the volcanic landscape as you move through the monument, though specific species depend on the season of your visit.