Craters of the Moon National Monument

While driving home, Scott noticed a sign for Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.  We quickly calculated how long it would take us to get there and called the park to see if they were open and they were.  We found out they had a junior ranger program and decided to turn off and head their way.  We we so glad we did.  It was a very unique area in comparison to everything else we were seeing.

At the park, we learned that there was volcanic lava flow under the earth surface and when it found a soft pocket, the lava would shoot up and out of the ground, which caused what is now Craters of the Moon.  We also learned that in 1969 NASA sent astronauts (Alan Shepard, Edgar Mitchell, Joe Engle and Eugene Cernan) to the area to begin their process of learning with the moon would be like when they experienced it first hand.  In 1999 all the astronauts, except Alan Shepard who had died, revisited the park to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the park and 30 years since they had first arrived at Craters of the Moon.

Junior Ranger LUNAR Ranger badge!

The park was very unique and diverse with different types of volcanic materials. Surprisingly there is a good amount of foliage and wildlife around the park, which surprised me.  

The sunflowers are as tall as Hunter!

There are many trails and surprisingly as nice RV/camping park right as you enter the park that is first come, first served.  They said to come early in the afternoon and during the weekday for best options in getting a site.  Scott and I decided we'll come back this October to hike the 8 small trails one weekend.

The kids enjoyed earning their Lunar Ranger badges.  Here are photos they took taking the Lunar Ranger oath.

Cierra in a ranger hat while Hunter opted for the space helmet.

After the kids earned their patches and pins, we drove through the 7 mile loop around the park.  It's a very small park, but so much to see and learn!  Here is a few photo highlights of our quick visit.

The fence blocks what was once how the lave
spilled through the underground cavern.

Hunter found holes in the lava

A desolate landscape

Foliage despite the lava

A fire somewhere over Idaho caused the sky to turn orange

creating a cool, eerie effect for the park.

Another photo of the warm, summer sky.

Desolate and beautiful