Broken Top Loop Trail
Visitors Center, Craters of the Moon National Monument
| Address: | Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Idaho, USA |
| GPS: |
43°25'39.7"N 113°32'55.1"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Idaho |
| Trails/Routes: | 1.7 mi |
Restrooms Pet Friendly Bicycles Motorized Use
Cave and Hike
The Broken Top Loop Trail provides an opportunity to hike over, under and around the youngest volcano on the Snake River Plain. The event that created this cinder cone and associated lava flows culminated about 2,000 year ago at the end of the most recent eruptive cycle. Find out more about the outstanding lava features along the trail by following the trail guide and numbered signs.
Please protect fragile lava features by staying on the designated trail and by following rock cairns across the lava. If you wish to explore Buffalo Cave, don't forget to bring a flashlight and watch your head as you enter the low ceiling of this lava tube.
The Broken Top Loop Trail is one of the most outstanding trails within Craters of the Moon. You can observe nearly every type of volcanic feature characteristic of the basaltic eruptions that created this unearthly landscape. Pick up a trail guide at the visitor center or at the trailhead sign and follow the numbered signs along the trail to learn more. This trail also provides access to Buffalo Caves (best entrance is near sign #8). Obtain a free permit at the visitor center, wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight before entering this or any other cave in the park.Courtesy of nps.gov
More Information
Add ResourceBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
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- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Visitors Center, Craters of the Moon National Monument
- Head east on Loop RdParts of this road may be closed at certain times or days(2.8 mi)
- Turn left to stay on Loop RdMay be closed at certain times or days(0.7 mi)
- Turn right (0.3 mi)
- Keep left (0.3 mi)
- Keep rightDestination will be on the right(0.7 mi)
Trails
Distance ?
1.7 milesElevation Gain ?
0 feetReal Ascent ?
287 feetReal Descent ?
287 feetAvg Grade (0°)
0%Grade (-19° to 14°)
-34% to 25%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.