Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve in southern Idaho has one of the most unique landscapes in all of the National Parks system with its vast ocean of lava flows and its scattered islands of cinder cones peppered with sagebrush that they describe as “weird and scenic landscape.”
Before it was established, locals referred to the area as the “Valley of the Moon” and it became widely known as Craters of the Moon when Robert Limbert, one of Idaho’s most flamboyant promoters, used the name in an article written for National Geographic. The name stuck and became official with the establishment of the park in 1924.
The connection to celestial bodies deepened in 1969 when Apollo 14 astronauts visited Craters of the Moon. Although the second group of astronauts to walk on the moon did not not actually train at the location, they did study the volcanic geology and explored the harsh and unusual environment to prepare for their trip into space. NASA has also visited the park more recently in preparation for future Mars missions.
To celebrate the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve connection to all things lunar they are inviting visitors to participate in three special “walks on the Moon” throughout May and June. The walks will be guided by Doug Owen (former Craters of the Moon park ranger, park geologist, and education specialist) who will take a limited number of guests around the park and to explore its wildflowers, ethnobotany and geology. Spots are limited and reservations are required, find more information here.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve Press Release:
ARCO, Idaho – The National Park Service (NPS) invites members of the public to participate in three special “walks on the Moon” that will be held in May and June at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in southern Idaho.
“Spring is a great time of year to visit Craters of the Moon, with mild temperatures, fewer visitors, and beautiful scenery as remaining snow contrasts with lava and wildflowers bloom. We are pleased to offer these special walks in partnership with the Craters of the Moon Natural History Association and encourage members of the public to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in them!” -Michael Irving, Chief of Interpretation & Education at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
The following walk and hikes will be led by Doug Owen, who worked as a park ranger, park geologist, and education specialist for 19 years at Craters of the Moon and is also a professional photographer:
Wildflower and Ethnobotany Walk
Saturday, May 31
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This approximately two-mile walk will feature discussions of ecology, adaptations, and traditional uses of plants. The walk is limited to 20 participants and reservations are required. Additional information is available on the Craters of the Moon website. To reserve a spot, please call the Craters of the Moon Visitor Center at 208-527-1335.
Photography Adventure Hike
Saturday, June 7
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Photographers of all skill levels who are interested in learning tips and tricks of shooting different textures and wildflowers as well as using light reflectors are welcome on this approximately four-mile hike. The hike will cover a variety of terrain, from the cinder flats to the Broken Top Loop Trail. The hike is limited to 15 participants and reservations are required. Additional information is available on the Craters of the Moon website. To reserve a spot, please call the Craters of the Moon Visitor Center at 208-527-1335.
Geology Nature Hike
Saturday, June 14
10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
This four-mile hike will include viewing and learning about a wide variety of geologic features. The hike is limited to 20 participants and reservations are required. Additional information is available on the Craters of the Moon website. To reserve a spot, please call the Craters of the Moon Visitor Center at 208-527-1335.
