These Idaho Craters Are The Coolest Thing You Ll See For Free

One of the most underrated areas in the state is a destination you’ll definitely want to make an effort to visit. Few people realize these Idaho craters even exist, not to mention that you can actually see them for yourself — for free! We won’t lie, seeing the legendary crater rings in Idaho is no easy feat. Located in the middle of nowhere, these craters take time and effort to find. However, you’ll find that the extra work is totally worth it. Plan an adventure to see this stunning natural attraction for yourself and prepare to see one of Idaho’s most spectacularly unknown sights.

The best thing about living in Idaho is checking out all of the natural wonders our state contains. Not only are they absolutely spectacular, but seeing them is an activity that’s completely free of charge! Crater Rings near Mountain Home is no exception.

Cody Durkin/Google

Known as one of the few examples of volcanic craters in the continental United States, these symmetrical craters can be found approximately eight miles northwest of Mountain Home. It’s definitely the middle of nowhere, but that somehow makes this destination even more magical.

Tyler Ketter/Google

Known simply as Crater Rings, this little-known destination was actually designated a National Natural Landmark in 1980. The site itself is owned by the Bureau of Land Management and is considered part of the beautiful Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey NCA.

Russell Wilcock/Google

Seeing the craters with your own eyes is definitely a unique experience. First of all, each crater looks absolutely humongous. The eastern crater is about 3,000-feet across and 350-feet deep, whereas the western crater is about 2,500-feet across and 300-feet deep.

JAR/Google

Experts aren’t positive how the craters were formed, but they do know that it was caused by volcanic activity. The most widely-believed explanation for them is that they were once lava lakes similar to the famous Halemaʻumaʻu Crater in Hawaii.

Mario montoya/Google

The craters are situated right at the summit of a broad shield volcano—a type of volcano comprised mostly of fluid lava flows and which resembles a low shield-shaped dome. The volcano is believed to be the youngest in the Mountain Home area at less than 2 million years old.

Darrick Gula/Google

This otherworldly landscape may not be super well-known, but it’s a sight that never fails to evoke a sense of awe. Seeing them firsthand, you may just forget you’re in Idaho of all places!

Mario montoya/Google Directions: From the Mountain Home exit on I-84, turn left on American Legion Boulevard. You’ll follow this road through Mountain Home before turning right on N. 2nd St. E. Keep driving for 3.5 miles before turning left on Ditto Creek Road. Follow this road for around 5 miles before turning left onto Cinder Butte Road. From here, you should reach the base of the shield volcano after approximately two miles.

What do you think? Will you be planning an adventure to see these Idaho crater rings for yourself? Check out more of Idaho’s most spectacular landscapes and read up on The 7 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In Idaho.

Cody Durkin/Google

Tyler Ketter/Google

Russell Wilcock/Google

JAR/Google

Mario montoya/Google

Darrick Gula/Google

Directions: From the Mountain Home exit on I-84, turn left on American Legion Boulevard. You’ll follow this road through Mountain Home before turning right on N. 2nd St. E. Keep driving for 3.5 miles before turning left on Ditto Creek Road. Follow this road for around 5 miles before turning left onto Cinder Butte Road. From here, you should reach the base of the shield volcano after approximately two miles.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Crater Rings, Idaho 83647, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Idaho Craters January 09, 2023 Sarah M. What are the most famous craters in Idaho? You might not expect to find craters in a state known for winter recreation (hey there, Sun Valley!), its Old West Ties, and, well, potatoes. But in addition to the crater rings found at the above site, Idaho is home to a national monument that most certainly belongs on your bucket list. For those who wonder what Neil Armstrong saw during those first magical moments on the moon, there’s a place in Idaho that will put you in his shoes. One of Idaho’s most unique parks, Craters of the Moon National Monument is best-known for its stark landscape and volcanic features. Consisting of lava flows, cinder cones, and endless sagebrush, the landscape of Craters of the Moon is hypnotizing in its rugged beauty. And come wintertime, when the wilds of Idaho are covered in snow, Craters of the Moon National Monument becomes an otherworldly expanse that’s, quite frankly, more magical than any lunar lands. What are some other natural wonders to visit in Idaho? If you’re in awe after visiting the Idaho Crater Rings, definitely plan to check out these other natural wonders in the Gem State:

City of Rocks National Reserve. As one of the most unique landscapes in all of Idaho, City of Rocks National Reserve (or, “the Silent City of Rocks”) is one of those places you have to see to believe. The tall spires, the steeple-like rocks, the quiet atmosphere - you’ll be in utter awe of this place from the moment you step foot in it. There is no fee to visit City of Rocks. Among some of the park’s most popular activities are hiking, climbing, camping, birding, hunting, and even archery. There’s simply no end to the type of adventure you can have here!

Hells Canyon. Idaho is home to quite a few significant canyons, but nothing beats the dramatic scenery of Hells Canyon along the western border of the state. Considered North America’s deepest river gorge, the canyon runs even deeper than the way more famous Grand Canyon! Boasting 652,488 acres of beauty and adventure, the sheer size of this magnificent canyon is enough to take your breath away. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is a great place to start your adventure at this natural wonder. You can also take a drive down the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway for some of the most dramatic windshield views our state has to offer. Sawtooth Mountains. It’s hard to choose a favorite mountain range in Idaho - we have so many of them! However, the Sawtooth Mountains have won the hearts of many and it’s no wonder why. This rugged mountain range in central Idaho is part of the Rocky Mountains and encompasses an area of 678 square miles. With 57 peaks boasting an elevation over 10,000 feet, the Sawtooths make for an epic backdrop to alpine lakes, lush meadows, valleys, and more. And with over 700 miles of hiking trails, exploring them is a must! Simply put, this jaw-dropping mountain landscape is one of Idaho’s best-kept secrets.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Idaho Craters

January 09, 2023

Sarah M.

What are the most famous craters in Idaho? You might not expect to find craters in a state known for winter recreation (hey there, Sun Valley!), its Old West Ties, and, well, potatoes. But in addition to the crater rings found at the above site, Idaho is home to a national monument that most certainly belongs on your bucket list. For those who wonder what Neil Armstrong saw during those first magical moments on the moon, there’s a place in Idaho that will put you in his shoes. One of Idaho’s most unique parks, Craters of the Moon National Monument is best-known for its stark landscape and volcanic features. Consisting of lava flows, cinder cones, and endless sagebrush, the landscape of Craters of the Moon is hypnotizing in its rugged beauty. And come wintertime, when the wilds of Idaho are covered in snow, Craters of the Moon National Monument becomes an otherworldly expanse that’s, quite frankly, more magical than any lunar lands. What are some other natural wonders to visit in Idaho? If you’re in awe after visiting the Idaho Crater Rings, definitely plan to check out these other natural wonders in the Gem State:

The OIYS Visitor Center

You might not expect to find craters in a state known for winter recreation (hey there, Sun Valley!), its Old West Ties, and, well, potatoes. But in addition to the crater rings found at the above site, Idaho is home to a national monument that most certainly belongs on your bucket list. For those who wonder what Neil Armstrong saw during those first magical moments on the moon, there’s a place in Idaho that will put you in his shoes. One of Idaho’s most unique parks, Craters of the Moon National Monument is best-known for its stark landscape and volcanic features. Consisting of lava flows, cinder cones, and endless sagebrush, the landscape of Craters of the Moon is hypnotizing in its rugged beauty. And come wintertime, when the wilds of Idaho are covered in snow, Craters of the Moon National Monument becomes an otherworldly expanse that’s, quite frankly, more magical than any lunar lands.

What are some other natural wonders to visit in Idaho?

If you’re in awe after visiting the Idaho Crater Rings, definitely plan to check out these other natural wonders in the Gem State:

City of Rocks National Reserve. As one of the most unique landscapes in all of Idaho, City of Rocks National Reserve (or, “the Silent City of Rocks”) is one of those places you have to see to believe. The tall spires, the steeple-like rocks, the quiet atmosphere - you’ll be in utter awe of this place from the moment you step foot in it. There is no fee to visit City of Rocks. Among some of the park’s most popular activities are hiking, climbing, camping, birding, hunting, and even archery. There’s simply no end to the type of adventure you can have here!
Hells Canyon. Idaho is home to quite a few significant canyons, but nothing beats the dramatic scenery of Hells Canyon along the western border of the state. Considered North America’s deepest river gorge, the canyon runs even deeper than the way more famous Grand Canyon! Boasting 652,488 acres of beauty and adventure, the sheer size of this magnificent canyon is enough to take your breath away. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is a great place to start your adventure at this natural wonder. You can also take a drive down the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway for some of the most dramatic windshield views our state has to offer.
Sawtooth Mountains. It’s hard to choose a favorite mountain range in Idaho - we have so many of them! However, the Sawtooth Mountains have won the hearts of many and it’s no wonder why. This rugged mountain range in central Idaho is part of the Rocky Mountains and encompasses an area of 678 square miles. With 57 peaks boasting an elevation over 10,000 feet, the Sawtooths make for an epic backdrop to alpine lakes, lush meadows, valleys, and more. And with over 700 miles of hiking trails, exploring them is a must! Simply put, this jaw-dropping mountain landscape is one of Idaho’s best-kept secrets.