| Crators of the Moon National Monument |
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| Crators of the Moon National Monument |
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Craters of the Moon National Monument
Craters of the Moon, one of Idaho's most incredible geologic wonders, is part of a 60-mile long crack system where volcanic eruptions have occurred as recently as 2,000 years ago. Volcanic formations easily accessible to monument visitors include cinder cones, spatter cones and lava tubes or caves. Craters of the Moon National Monument preserves a weird and fantastic volcanic landscape. The monument sits astride a 60 mile long crack system where eruptions occurred as recently as 2,000 years ago. The 7 mile loop drive through the monument takes visitors past cinder cones and lava. Information and Pictures about Craters of the Moon
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Craters of the Moon was set aside as a National
Monument by President Calvin Coolidge in 1924. He said that the Craters of the Moon
contained "Many curious and unusual phenomena of great educational value and has a
weird and scenic landscape peculiar to itself." Craters of the Moon provides a
unique opportunity to study a volcanic landscape and other interesting aspects of geology.
Although most of Craters of the Moon is covered by seemingly barren lava flows, it also
supports a surprising diversity of plants and animals, e.g. 375 species of plants, 43
mammals, and 159 birds. However, life is far from easy at Craters of
the Moon, becuase of wide range of temperatures and varying rainfall. 