Inferno Cone
Visitors Center, Craters of the Moon National Monument
| Address: | Inferno Cone, Idaho 83213, USA |
| GPS: |
43°26'35.7"N 113°33'7.1"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Idaho |
| Trails/Routes: | 0.4 mi |
Restrooms Pet Friendly Bicycles Motorized Use
Hike
Cinder cones form when gas-rich volcanic froth erupts high into the air and then piles into a mound. Climb Inferno Cone, if you wish, but don't be disappointed if you are unable to locate the source of the eruption at the top. These cinders were actually blown by the wind, and possibly squirted in this direction, from a vent far below near the Spatter Cones parking lot.
The trail to the top of Inferno Cone is steep, but rewards you with panoramic views of the Great Rift, Snake River Plain, and Pioneer Mountains. On clear days you may see the Teton Range, 100 miles to the east. Do not climb in high winds! You will be very exposed and the cinders are sometimes picked up by the wind.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(0.1 mi)
Other Hiking Trails Nearby
Spatter Cones
Visitors Center, Craters of the Moon National Monument
0.3 miles WMiniature volcanoes formed by lobbed molten lava blobs at Craters of the Moon — a must-see feature that symbolizes this unique national monument; stay on trails to protect the delicate spatter cones.
Hike
Snow Cone
Visitors Center, Craters of the Moon National Monument
0.3 miles WHike near Visitors Center, Craters of the Moon National Monument
Hike 1.8 mi
North Crater Trail
Visitors Center, Craters of the Moon National Monument
0.3 miles WA one-way trail through North Crater and Big Craters at Craters of the Moon — dropping into a volcanic crater mouth and ending at Spatter Cones, with fragile lava formations off-limits to protect.
Hike 0.5 mi
Devil's Orchard Trail
Visitors Center, Craters of the Moon National Monument
0.9 miles NEA paved, wheelchair-accessible trail through cinder beds and ancient North Crater wall fragments, with exhibits on protecting this fragile volcanic environment.
Hike 1.0-1.3 mi
Caves Trail
Visitors Center, Craters of the Moon National Monument
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North Crater Flow
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Broken Top Loop Trail
Visitors Center, Craters of the Moon National Monument
1.1 miles SA hike over, under, and around a 2,000-year-old cinder cone and lava flows in Craters of the Moon, with access to Buffalo Cave — bring a flashlight and free permit.
Cave, Hike 1.9 mi
Tree Molds Trail
Visitors Center, Craters of the Moon National Monument
1.1 miles SA paved trail winding through Craters of the Moon Wilderness to a lava flow that captured the shapes of fallen and standing trees in cooling rock — look for wooden posts marking the molds.
Hike 8.8 mi
Wilderness Trail
Visitors Center, Craters of the Moon National Monument
1.1 miles SA solitary wilderness hike through young lava flows and cinder cones at Craters of the Moon, passing lava trees and ending near Echo Crater — a great backcountry camping spot.
Cave, Hike 0.6 mi
Hidden Mouth Cave
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36.4 miles NA surprisingly large lava cave with three chambers and a secret back exit — reached by quad or a quarter-mile steep hike above Moore, Idaho.
Cave, Hike 7.9 mi
Borah Peak
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HikeNearby Campsites
Lava Flow Campground
Arco, Idaho
1.3 miles NA campground surrounded by a young lava flow near the Craters of the Moon visitor center and popular trails — 42 first-come sites at $15/night during main season.
Camp
Kimama Wind Caves
Paul, Idaho
49.4 miles SA labyrinth of lava tubes in the desert north of Paul — tight crawls, varying ceiling heights, and graffiti throughout — strictly for experienced cavers with proper lights.
Camp, Cave
