The North Crater Trail is a moderate 1.8 mile (one way) hike in Craters of the Moon National Monument that brings hikers along the caldera rims of large volcanic craters. In addition, it traverses through lava flows and signature landscapes to the area. While this trail is marked as moderate, some might find it strenuous due to the short bursts of steep climbing found throughout the hike.

This trail also has two access points, each of which offer a different experience. The north trailhead (ie, the first one you come to) will guide you through multiple lava flows before bringing you up to the signature craters. This route is more challenging than originating from the south trailhead. If you’re looking for a shorter hike to the rims of the craters, consider beginning from the south trailhead instead.

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North Crater Trail Description

The North Crater Trail begins climbing rather steeply from the parking area over a short distance. Along the way, limber pine trees stand along the trail as it begins to level out just after the brief climb. Below and to the right, you get a great view of the North Flow Trail and beyond. A brief bit of more climbing will bring you to a vantage point where you can overlook the Visitor Center with the main highway just beyond. A spur trail will veer off straight ahead to a small perch, while the main trail continues left to climb steadily up to a crest along the base of North Crater. On top of this crest is a dramatic view of a deep and dark lava flow below.

The trail drops steeply into the lava flow before crossing the uneven surface of the lava. On your left is a massive cliff of lava of the North Crater while on your right is a dried river of lava extending into the distant foothills of the nearby mountains. Once again, the trail climbs steeply out over steep steps that carry you to another crest where you find yourself looking down into another lava flow. Follow the trail to descend into this one as well, where you may find yourself beginning to stop and stare in wonder at the seemingly alien world. Use the posts to guide you across the lava flow where it will once again climb out via a series of steep steps.

Once out of the two lava flows, you’ll find the trail evens out as you pass by another lava field below larger craters rising above. Smaller hills begin to surround you as a small ravine of lava parallels you on the left. As the road noise begins to fade, you’ll follow the trail away from the North Crater to the base of the Big Craters where you emerge with expansive views southward, distant craters rising on the horizon.

The trail will wrap around a relatively smaller caldera rim of the Big Craters before climbing steeply up to a larger crater above. A short spur at the time will yield a stunning view deep into a large crater. The trail then straddles another caldera rim around an immense crater on your left. On the right are sprawling views to the west and south, endless lava fields stretching to the horizon. You’ll also notice in this area the park has erected a couple of barricades. Please stay on the trail as requested by the park, not just for your safety, but also out of respect for the park itself.

Continuing to the right, you’ll once again climb up onto yet another caldera rim on the previous crater’s opposite side. If you’re not interested in going all the way to the south trailhead, this makes for a great spot to turn around and head back. Otherwise, the trail from here begins to head down toward the south trailhead with panoramic views along the way. Once closer to the trailhead, the trail will become paved as you’re safely guided back a short distance to the south trailhead.

Getting There

From the Robert Limbert Visitor Center, head south along the main park road for 0.75 miles and turn right into the North Crater Trail parking area.