Craters of the Moon National Monument is one of the most unusual and exciting landscapes our adventure travel family has ever explored. Stretching across hundreds of square miles of lava flows, cinder cones, and fissures, this otherworldly terrain feels like stepping onto another planet. Visiting Craters of the Moon National Monument gives families the chance to explore lava tubes, climb volcanic cones, and wander rugged trails while discovering the power and beauty of volcanic forces.
For families planning a road trip through the Rockies and the Snake River Plain, Craters of the Moon pairs perfectly with Yellowstone National Park. While Yellowstone dazzles with geysers, hot springs, and abundant wildlife, Craters of the Moon offers a stark, dramatic volcanic landscape that feels like a world apart. Combining these two destinations creates an unforgettable family adventure, where kids can explore both bubbling geothermal features and expansive lava fields, making for a perfectly balanced and active itinerary.
Exploring Lava Tubes on the Caves Trail
Our adventure began at the visitor center, where we picked up permits to explore the lava tube caves. These natural caves formed when molten lava drained beneath hardened surfaces, leaving tunnels that are both fascinating and fragile. Only certain caves are open to the public, making them safe for families to explore.
We joined a ranger-led tour along the Caves Trail, a loop that winds across solidified lava flows, pahoehoe ridges, and small cinder cones. Buttercup and Spider Monkey loved spotting lava shelves, tiny stalactites, and flow patterns etched into the rock. The ranger explained how molten rock shaped these tunnels thousands of years ago, turning geology into an exciting hands-on science lesson. Walking the trail with kids is thrilling because each corner reveals surprising twists and hidden nooks.
- Family Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for walking on sharp lava rocks and bring a flashlight for exploring the caves safely.
Indian Tunnel Lava Tube Adventure
Indian Tunnel is the larger of the two lava tubes open to visitors at Craters of the Moon National Monument. The moment you step inside, the scale and drama of this underground world is breathtaking. The ceiling soars tens of feet high, and sections where the roof has collapsed allow beams of light to filter in, illuminating the rock formations in a magical way. The walls are lined with ridges, flow marks, and faint lava stalactites, telling the story of molten rock that once rushed through here thousands of years ago.
For our adventure travel family, exploring Indian Tunnel was a mix of awe and excitement. Buttercup loved pointing out the delicate stalactites, carefully measuring which ones seemed the tallest, while Spider Monkey giggled at the twists and turns that opened up hidden pockets of rock. The girls loved imagining the lava pouring through these tunnels, shaping every curve and ridge. Even the smooth floors tell a story of lava flow, while jagged areas reminded us of nature’s raw power.
- Family Tip: Bring headlamps or flashlights for better visibility inside Indian Tunnel. Remind kids to walk carefully and avoid touching stalactites to preserve the delicate formations.
After the ranger-led tour, we ventured a little deeper on our own, always sticking to marked paths. Exploring at our own pace gave us a sense of discovery and adventure, letting the girls peek around corners and uncover tiny alcoves that felt like secret rooms. Indian Tunnel is truly a place where children can engage their imaginations while learning about geology in a hands-on way.
Dewdrop Cave Exploration
Dewdrop Cave offers a completely different experience from Indian Tunnel. This smaller, more intimate lava tube feels cozy yet mysterious. Its lower ceiling creates a more enclosed space, perfect for kids to feel like real explorers. The most magical feature is the ceiling itself: tiny mineral droplets glisten and sparkle under flashlight beams, giving the cave its name. The effect is mesmerizing for children and adults alike, almost like stepping into a sparkling underground palace.
Walking through Dewdrop Cave, the floor alternates between smooth sections, where lava drained evenly, and jagged spots that reveal where molten rock cooled unpredictably. Buttercup and Spider Monkey were thrilled to spot tiny formations and imagined the lava frothing and flowing through the tunnels. The girls loved comparing the textures on the walls and floors, and we talked about how the caves formed naturally over centuries.
- Family Tip: Take extra care when navigating jagged areas and keep younger children close. The sparkling droplets are fragile, so encourage kids to observe without touching.
Exploring Dewdrop Cave allowed our family to slow down and appreciate the small details of this volcanic landscape. The contrast between Indian Tunnel’s grandeur and Dewdrop Cave’s intimate sparkle creates a complete underground adventure that families will never forget. Both caves together offer a perfect combination of excitement, discovery, and learning for young explorers.
Climbing Inferno Cone
Inferno Cone is a classic cinder cone trail that rises sharply from the lava field. Loose gravel makes the climb a fun challenge, and from the top, the Great Rift stretches into the distance, revealing fissures that fueled past eruptions.
For our family, the climb was a mix of exercise and adventure. Buttercup and Spider Monkey were fascinated by the layers of volcanic gravel underfoot and enjoyed spotting lizards and birds along the way. Halfway up, we paused to take in sweeping views of black lava fields dotted with cones. The summit rewards climbers with 360-degree panoramas of the monument’s unique landscape.
- Family Tip: Wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and take breaks on the gravel. Sunscreen and hats are essential for this exposed trail.
Exploring the Snow Cone Trail
The Snow Cone Trail is a gentler, family-friendly loop around small, pale cinder cones that look like snow drifts. Walking among them allows kids to see how volcanic debris accumulated in layers during eruptions, turning geology into an interactive learning experience.
Our girls were enchanted by the shapes and textures, hopping between cones and peering inside tiny openings. Along the trail, we spotted wildlife including birds and small lizards, adding fun moments for young explorers.
- Family Tip: Let children explore gently and encourage them to notice textures, layers, and wildlife to make the hike educational and fun.
The Snow Cone Trail is perfect for families who want scenic views and a slower pace while engaging with Craters of the Moon’s unique volcanic terrain.
Discovering the Splatter Cones
Splatter Cones are smaller, quirky formations created when thick lava was thrown out of a vent and welded together as it cooled. Unlike tall, symmetrical cinder cones, these cones have irregular shapes that make them playful and fun for kids.
The girls loved hopping between the cones, comparing rough textures, and imagining the frothy eruptions that formed them. This hands-on experience adds creativity and movement to the adventure, allowing kids to interact directly with the landscape.
- Family Tip: Encourage safe play on the cones, sticking to marked areas and avoiding loose rocks. Pause to examine textures and shapes for a natural science lesson.
Exploring Splatter Cones is a playful complement to climbing Inferno Cone and walking the Snow Cone Trail, offering a complete and varied adventure for families.
Family Verdict
Exploring Craters of the Moon National Monument is an unforgettable experience for families. From underground lava tubes to towering cinder cones and whimsical splatter formations, this otherworldly landscape delivers adventure, learning, and breathtaking views at every turn. Our adventure travel family loved discovering this unique place together, and it is a must-see destination for families seeking active, educational, and imaginative outdoor experiences.
Make sure to check out our nearby adventures in southern Montana, Beartooth Highway, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Craters of the Moon National Monument, and southern Idaho. Follow along on our complete Old West family road trip and our other amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
