It is along us 20 concurrent with us 93 and us 26, between the small towns of arco and carey, at an average elevation of 5,900 feet 1,800 m above sea level. Through the sale of educational materials in the visitor center, this nonprofit organization raises funds to support the educational and research programs of the national park service at craters of the moon national. Craters of the moon national monument and preserve is comanaged by the national park service and the bureau of land management, both under the department of the interior. A pearl harbor attack intensified hostility towards japanese americans. Craters of the moon national monument and preserve, located in southern idaho is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. Pdf files and external links will open in a new window. For thousands of years people have avoided, endured and pondered this weird and scenic landscape. Craters of the moon national monument and preserve.
Explanation of craters of the moon national monument and preserve. Our mission is to assist our national park service partner with interpretive, educational, and scientific activities at craters of the moon national monument and preserve. Emigrants in wagons and apollo astronauts are just some of those who have passed through. Many questions arise craters of the moon national monument provides one of the best examples of basaltic volcanism in the world. Craters of the moon national monument article about craters. They carried bedding, an aluminum cook outfit, camera and tripod, binoculars, and two weeks of supplies. Craters of the moon national monument publications. The monument preserves around 53,500 acres of volcanic formations and lava flows on the northern rim of the snake river plain in southcentral idaho. Craters of the moon national monument and preserve is located in south central idaho along the peaks to craters scenic byway, and is one of the top geological attractions in the country. Heres a map of the regional campgrounds 120 kb near craters of the moon, showing the ones in sawtooth national forest and along all other roads and highways in this part of idaho. Plan a field trip to the park or discover curriculum for use in the classroom. Featured texts all books all texts latest this just in smithsonian libraries fedlink us genealogy lincoln collection. In eastern idaho, a push is underway for the states first national. Purchase maps, books, and other park related materials from the craters of the moon natural history association.
Idaho is home to several places of interest to visitors of the state. Craters of the moon has four distinct seasons, each providing visitors with exciting ways to explore the park. A guide to craters of the moon national monument, idaho national park service handbook national park service u. News, photos and questions about national parks in the us and around the world. Craters of the moon national park, idaho are camping tents waterproof camping near san francisco craters of the moon. Craters of the moon national monument, idaho legends of. During this time the craters of the moon lava field grew to cover 618 square miles 1600 square km. Craters of the moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. Craters of the moon national monument idaho history craters of the moon national monument. As wartime hysteria mounted, president roosevelt signed executive order 9066 making over 120,000 west coast persons of japanese ancestry nikkei leave their homes, jobs, and lives behind and move to one of ten relocation centers. Craters of the moon volcano world oregon state university.
Local legends made references to the landscape resembling the surface of the moon. National park service one early traveler to the area that is now craters of the moon national park and preserve crmo dubbed it the strangest 75 square miles on the north american continent. Tamura relates how, during an internship with the park service, she first visited the minidoka national historic site,which caused her to delve into her familys history and learn about. The name became official with the establishment of the monument in 1924. Craters of the moon national monument and preserve p. The fall craters of the moon star party will take place at craters of the moon national monument between arco and carey. But a history of the craters of the moon area, along the lines of history of the grand canyon area, is most welcome. However, one of the most popular recreation sites in the state is craters of the moon national monument. A federal plan for cattle grazing on the monuments lands has drawn fire from a group.
We invite you to explore this weird and scenic landscape where yesterdays volcanic events are likely to continue tomorrow. In may 1980 wildlife researcher brad griffith of the university of idaho started a threeyear study. The young lava flows that make up the bulk of the monument and preserve can clearly be seen from space. Request free travel brochures for craters of the moon national monument. Craters of the moon national monument, idaho legends of america.
Craters of the moon natural history association is a nonprofit organization, established in 1959, dedicated to assisting the national park service in interpretive, scientific, historical, and educational activities. Craters of the moon national parks conservation association. We didnt know much of anything about this desolate landscape when we started researching, but grandma recommended it, so we figured it would be our first stop on the way to yellowstone. Lava erupted from the great rift, a series of deep cracks that start near the visitor center and stretch 52 miles 84 km. Craters of the moon national monument arco aktuelle 2020. A guide to craters of the moon national monument, idaho national park service handbook. When a good snow base forms in winter, you can snowshoe through the park, but know that temperatures can dip below zero degrees fahrenheit and blizzard conditions can occur. In the semiarid portion of the snake river plateau in south central idaho, at the foot of the white knob mountains, lies the craters of the moon national monument, which was created may 2, 1924, with an area of approximately 39 square miles. Its a vast ocean of amazing lava flows, dotted with islands of sagebrush and cinder cones.
Craters of the moon national monument history, tourism, and idaho travel, vacations, and national parks. Craters of the moon formed during eight major eruptive periods between 15,000 and 2000 years ago. Craters of the moon national monument and preserve activities. Craters of the moon national monument arco 2020 all you. Craters of the moon natural history association is a nonprofit organization, established in 1959, dedicated to assisting the national park service in interpretive. The craters of the moon national park is an incredible part of the country. Did you know there is a huge lava field called craters of the moon in idaho. This weird and wonderful landscape was created from volcanic events way back when in history, which shaped the land to what it. Craters of the moon national monument tourism and history. Discover craters of the moon national monument and preserve in arco, idaho. Learn about the park craters of the moon national monument.
Craters of the moon was so named because at one time, before people had actually gone to the moon, some people thought that the landscape resembled the moon s surface. We didnt know much of anything about this desolate landscape when we started researching, but grandma recommended it. Travel books, guides and maps that may be helpful in planning your trip to the craters of the moon area are listed below. Craters of the moon national monument and preserve arco. Craters of the moon was so named because at one time, before people had actually gone to the moon, some people thought that the landscape resembled the moons surface. Craters of the moon national monument and preserve is a u. Craters of the moon national monument hotels and lodging. This bizarre landscape covers some 715,000 acres of geologic wonderland that provides views of volcanic craters, lava tubes, deep cracks, and vast lava fields on idahos snake river plain. They also brought along a camp dog, a decision they were to regret. Welcome to the craters of the moon natural history association. An administrative history, by david louter illustrated html at national park service items below if any are from related and broader terms.
It is over 1,100 square miles over 750,000 acres which is roughly the size of rhode island. In partnership with the national park service, the national park foundation supports a public humanities fellowship program for postdocs, thanks to the generous funding of the andrew w. Hstt i dont think the article needs to be expanded at all. Management plan for craters of the moon national monument and preserve monument plan. Glimpses of our national monuments craters of the moon. Guidebook to the geology of eastern idaho, idaho museum of natural history, 1999, isbn. The national park service handbook book series by multiple authors includes books clara barton.
Through the sale of educational materials in the visitor center, this nonprofit organization raises funds to support the educational and research programs of the national park service at craters of the moon national monument and at hagerman. Craters of the moon natural history association books. This region, composed of several closely grouped volcanoes, is suggestive of a telescopic view of the moon. Part 1 introduces the park and recounts its early exploration. Browse the amazon editors picks for the best books of 2019, featuring our. Despite numerous efforts, idaho has no national park of. Clara barton national historic site, maryland, big bend.
Oct 15, 2019 did you know there is a huge lava field called craters of the moon in idaho. Time line before recorded history 2,000 years ago a volcanic. This park is way out in a rural part of idaho, but it is a gem. Craters of the moon national monument arco 2020 all. Geology for teachers craters of the moon national monument. Craters of the moon national monument article about. In all, craters of the moon encompasses over 1,100 square miles over 750,000 acres which is roughly the size of rhode island, according to the national parks foundation. A guide to craters of the moon national monument by division of publications national park service. Craters of the moon national monument and preserve wikipedia. Craters of the moon national monument and preserve article. Mar 23, 2020 craters of the moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. There are also several places, such as yellowstone, that are within a few hours drive of most major cities in the state. One of four national parks in idaho, president calvin coolidge created craters of the moon national monument on may 2, 1924. Some even referred to the area as the valley of the moon.
Craters of the moon natural history association books, maps. Every western state has a national park except idaho. Our book store offers a wide variety of merchandise availavble for your purchase. Limbert was the first man to thoroughly explore and promote the area. Consider purchasing one or two to help insure a great trip. Craters of the moon national monument, 53,440 acres 21,636 hectares, s central idaho. This rugged landscape features cinder cones, spatter cones and lava tube caves formed from volcanic activity in the great rift, a series of cracks in the earth that. Part 2 explores how life has adapted to the parks volcanic landscape, and how people have perceived it. This is a highly detailed map of the craters of the moon region, showing all the roads.
Amateur events the craters of the moon star party, hosted by the magic valley and idaho falls astronomical societies, will take place at craters of the moon national monument between arco and carey. Craters of the moon national monument and preserve activities the visitor center is open daily from 8 a. Features typical of basalt eruptions are abundant and easily accessible, such as, pahoehoe and aa lava flows, cinder cones, lava tubes, and spatter cones. Craters of the moon lava field, kings bowl lava field, and wapi lava field. This fascinating 750,000 acre national monument and preserve is home to over 53,500 acres of incredible volcanic. Craters of the moon books, maps and more home page. Baron lake in the sawtooth wilderness as seen on june 27, 2019. Our true nature finding a zest for life in the national. Sports outdoors despite numerous efforts, idaho has no national park of its own. The craters of the moon natural history association provides financial assistance to the national park service for educational, interpretive, scientific and cultural.
Frequently asked questions craters of the moon national. Read more the loop road is closed to motorized travel but open for. The wonder of it all 100 stories from the national park service. Limberts first major exploration of craters of the moon occurred in 1920 when he and a friend embarked on a 17 day, 80 mile trek across the lava.
A guide to craters of the moon national monument, idaho. Through the natural history association, more would be written about craters. This fascinating 750,000 acre national monument and preserve is home to over 53,500 acres of incredible volcanic formations and lava flows. In march 2017, the idaho senate voted in favor of petitioning congress to designate craters of the moon a national park. Forget national monument, craters of the moon should be a. A guide to craters of the moon national monument, idaho, and several more. Find out information about craters of the moon national monument and preserve. Part 2 explores how life has adapted to the park s volcanic landscape, and how people have perceived it. Minidoka national historic site national park foundation. Rhonda morris, 20852760 since 1959 the craters of the moon natural history association nha has been an important park partner.
Purchase maps, books, and other park related materials from the craters of the moon natural history. Craters of the moon national monument features hiking trails over lava flow areas, into a mini volcano, up and over a giant cinder cone, and inside of cavelike lava tubes. Our park partner craters of the moon books, maps and more. If you choose to visit a national park, please ensure that you follow cdc and state and local guidelines to prevent the spread of infectious. Search the history of over 418 billion web pages on the internet. There are more than 25 cinder cones at craters of the moon, each one a small volcano.
Despite numerous efforts, idaho has no national park of its. Americas best history and the rocky mountain park of lava tubes, volcanic past, the moon on the horizon, and nature fun. There are exhibits and a wide selection of books available from the craters of the moon natural history association. Hikers explore the north crater flow trail at craters of the moon national monument and preserve in idaho. Part 3 presents concise travel guide and reference materials for touring the park and for camping.
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