2023 Winter Operations at Craters of the Moon

ARCO, Idaho (KIFI) – Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve will close the Robert Limbert Visitor Center and bookstore on Nov. 28, 2022.

The Loop Road and trails (excluding the Caves Area and all caves) are open 24-hours per day and accessible by biking, hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing only. The visitor center will be closed from Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, through Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023.

Come prepared if you are visiting the park during this time and expect snow, ice, and winter conditions. No snow clearing will take place along the Loop Road. The nearest bathroom facilities are vault toilets located at the Lava Flow Campground or at the Devils Orchard trailhead. RV camping is not permitted in the visitor center parking lot.

The Robert Limbert Visitor Center, bookstore, and restrooms will reopen at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, for the winter season. The visitor center winter hours of operation will be 9:00 a.m .to 4:30 p.m., Thursdays through Mondays, and closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Winter grooming of Loop Road will begin on a weekly basis on Thursday or Friday mornings beginning January 27, 2023, depending on snowfall.

Enjoy the groomed cross-country ski trails (snow-permitting) after Jan. 27, 2023 or rent snowshoes from the Craters of the Moon Natural History Association. Ranger-led snowshoe hikes will be offered on a limited basis, Thursdays through Mondays through reservation only. Check the park’s website for more details. During the winter season, walk-in snow camping is available at the Lava Flow Campground, Devils Orchard, Caves Area, and Tree Molds parking lots. A free backcountry permit is required and can be obtained from the visitor center 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Email the park for more information CRMO_Information@nps.gov or call 208-527-1335.