Spring wildflowers. Credit NPS
With sparse crowds, nice temperatures and abundant birds and wildflowers, spring is a great time to visit Craters of the Moon National Monument. The loop road is open early this year and late May through mid-June is the peak of wildflower season. Plan your visit around these special events:
April 18-26 – National Park Week
The nation is buzzing about National Park Week, America’s largest celebration of national heritage, April 18-26. It’s about making great connections, exploring amazing places, discovering open spaces, enjoying affordable vacations and enhancing America’s best idea — the national parks! Free admission to all national parks April 18-19.
April 18 – Nature Journaling Workshop
Learn to create your own illustrated nature journals. Crater’s Artist-in-Residence, Poo Wright-Pulliam, will lead a workshop beginning with a 10 a.m. classroom session (1 hour) and ending with 2 hours of “journaling” in the field. Bring a notepad, color pencils and a lunch. Workshop will conclude at noon. Meet at the visitor center. Call (208)527-1335 to make a reservation, workshop is limited to 20 people.
The Lava Landscape at Craters of the Moon National Monument. Credit NPS
May 9 – Bird Walk
In celebration of Interna-tional Migratory Bird Day, join avid birder, Poo Wright-Pulliam for a hike to view spring birds. Spring migration will be underway and a variety of our feathered friends should be on display including the beautiful Mountain Bluebird, Idaho’s state bird. Hike participants will meet at the Broken Top Loop Trailhead at 9 a.m. and the hike will be approximately 2 miles in length. The hike will conclude at approximately 11:30 a.m. Call (208)527-1335 to make a reservation, walk is limited to 20 people.
June 6 – Pioneers Bike Tour (5th annual)
Bring a mountain bike and join us for a tour of Goodales Cutoff…where the Pioneer Mountains meet the lava. This 22-mile ride covers relatively flat terrain along the old pioneer trail with part of the loop circling back on the highway. Mountain bikes are recommended due to soft sections of trail. Meet at the Visitor Center at 9 a.m. Ride is co-sponsored by the Pioneers Alliance. Call 208-726-7485 for reservations. Bring water and snacks and join us for lunch in Carey after the ride!
The sun sets on Craters of the Moon. Credit NPS
Begins June 13 – Ranger guided Walks and Talks
Climb a volcano, explore a lava tube or join us for an evening presentation in the campground. Walks and talks and Junior Ranger activities are offered daily throughout the summer. Look for a detailed schedule at http://www.nps.gov/crmo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm
June 12 & 13 – Star Party
Join experts from the Idaho Falls Astronomical Society and experience the universe under our naturally dark skies. Enjoy a presentation about the night sky and Craters of the Moon’s “unearthly” connections both nights in the campground amphitheater at 9:30 pm. Then head to the Caves Area parking lot for telescope viewing of the skies above. Call 208-527-1335 for more information.
A delicate Cinquefoil wildflower grows on lava. Credit NPS
June 13– Wildflower Walk
June is the peak of the wildflower season at Craters of the Moon. Join us on this guided 3-mile walk that will cover a variety of habitats and introduce participants to a number of plant species. Pack a lunch to be eaten in the field, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water. Meet at the Tree Molds parking lot at 10 a.m. Call (208)527-1335 to make a reservation. Walk is limited to 20 people.
June 19 & 20 – Nature Photography Workshop
The Craters of the Moon Natural History Association will be offering a photography workshop taught by photographer and retired park ranger, Douglass Owen. You will learn photographic techniques and naturalist skills that will lead to greater success in nature photography. Friday evening there will be classroom session from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday will be spent in the field shooting pictures. Lunch will be provided on Saturday. Half of the registration fee ($25) will go to assist schools with travel expenses for field trips. Call 527-1360 to make a reservation, workshop is limited to 15 people. Meet at the visitor center.
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