5 minute read
Monumental!
Celebrating the Centennial of Craters of the Moon
BY CHELSEA CHAMBERS
Cruising down Idaho’s Highway 20, just outside Arco—the atomic capital of the world—boasts a landscape so unique that nothing quite like it exists anywhere else in the world. A sprawling scene of volcanic rock and lava tubes, Craters of the Moon National Monument covers more than 500,000 acres. The strange terrain became a unit of the National Park Service in 1924, designated by former President Calvin Coolidge who proclaimed it, affectionately, “a weird and scenic landscape peculiar to itself.”
If you have ever been to Craters of the Moon, its namesake is immediately apparent. For miles and miles in nearly every direction, massive piles of stacked lava rock cover the ground. Volcanic tubes, spatter cones, and intricate tunnels make Craters one of the world’s greatest treasures.
The area was “active” with large-scale volcanic activity between 15,000 and 20,000 years ago but “the geologic forces that shaped this place are omnipresent,” shared Park Superintendent Wade Vagias. “It is considered dormant, not extinct.” The last eruptive phase was about 2,000 or so years ago, but rather than the hulking volcanoes you may expect to see in an area so heavily impacted by volcanic activity, the magic behind Craters of the Moon happens deep underground.
This year marks exactly 100 years since President Coolidge proclaimed Craters of the Moon a national monument, yet there is still much to be discovered about this unique, otherworldly ground. But you don’t have to be an astronaut or geologist to be fascinated by the secrets at Craters of the Moon! This year, staff will be offering dozens of exciting events and opportunities for exploration all throughout the season to celebrate the centennial. From guided full moon hikes to star parties and more, 2024 is truly the Year of the Crater.
“I think I have the best job in the National Park Service,” Vagias said. “The NPS staff I work alongside are amazingly talented and deeply committed professionals and the many partner organizations we work with provide us unparalleled support as we stand together to serve the needs of the visiting public. It’s truly an honor and a privilege to serve as superintendent of these three great parks.”
The history of Craters dates back much further than President Coolidge’s 1924 proclamation. Once the ancestral homeland of native Shoshone-Bannock tribes, the park does their best to keep the stories alive and inclusive, sharing the many narratives that have speckled the past of the area’s history. Dating some 15,000 years ago, deep cracks opened in the earth and lava began rolling out. Slowly, over many years, shaping the landscape as visitors see it today. It is estimated that the most recent volcanic activity in the area occurred some 2,100 years ago and scientists expect there will be more activity sometime in the next 900 years.
One of the most prominent figureheads in Craters’ recent history is Robert Limbert, whose explorations of the land are what spurred President Coolidge’s protective declaration. Limbert spent many years studying the landscape, mapping out the area, and documenting the caves, canyons, and cinder cones, many of which are available for public exploration. NPS offers cave exploration permits for those really looking for a deep dive.
Aside from hiking—in absolute awe—the many miles of trails around the monument, there are plenty of other ways for explorers to uncover the secrets of Idaho’s lunar terrain.
Exploring Craters of the Moon
➣ There are 42 first-come, first-served campsites.
➣ There are approximately 60 lava flows and 25 volcanic cones to explore.
➣ This includes one flow referred to as the Blue Dragon, named for its distinct coloration.
➣ There are five caves that can be explored on your own, although there are more than 500 documented in the area. These can be broken into three categories: fissure caves, lava tubes, and weathered caves.
➣ Craters of the Moon is one of the best places for night sky viewing, including stargazing and astrophotography.
➣ Wildflower hikes are popular during springtime.
➣ Learn about the cultural and indigenous history of the monument at the Robert Limbert Visitor Center.
➣ Wilderness Areas: a portion of Craters is actually designated “wilderness.” Without diving into the nuances of the nomenclature, this essentially means an even more protected area. There are many wilderness experiences in this portion of Craters, but all overnight stays require a permit. The permit is free of charge and can be obtained at the visitor center during business hours. But be mindful—because it is a protected wilderness, there are additional rules for wilderness exploration, including no wood fires. So, check the NPS site before your visit!
➣ And so much more!
To learn more about the Craters of the Moon Centennial Celebration and all of the amazing events to look forward to this year, visit them online at nps.gov/crmo/planyourvisit/centennial.htm.
