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Location of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Arco, ID 83213
Website: www.nps.gov/crmo
Voice: 208-527-3257
Early settlers to the area called the Craters of the Moon in Central Idaho the "strangest 75 square miles on the North American Continent" because of its lunar-like landscape. These odd looking rock patterns and formations are the result of basaltic lava flows of the Great Rift Zone between 2,000 and 15,000 years ago.
The area became a National Monument in 1924 and expanded in 2000 to include the entire Great Rift Zone, which is over 50 miles long.
During your visit, start at the visitor center where you can learn about the formation of the land and its unique eco-system. You can then set
out on your own on one of the trails where you will be able to explore caves and view wildlife or you can take one of the guided tours that are
offered from time to time.
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