Top 7 Caves 아이다호

Just next to the historic marker you can explore an ancient lava tube: the 17 Mile Cave. The marker gives interesting information about hunters in the area that hunted camels, elephants and giant bisons about 12,000 years ago.

Like so many caves around it, the The 17 Mile Cave is a lava tube and a relic from Idahoe's volcanic past (although the area is still very active). They are formed when eruptions cause a lava crust to form, cool down and allow lava to flow through again. Its name comes from the proximity to the town of Idaho Falls. The tube is around a quarter mile long. The entrance is located directly on the West Arco Highway and is accessible to everyone. This is probably one of the reasons why this fantastic natural monument has fallen victim to modern cave "paintings". If you're ever in the area, make sure you bring several light sources and a jacket. It's really cool in there.

On the 1.8-mile Broken Top Loop Trail, you can observe almost all the volcanic features of the basalt eruptions that created this unique landscape. With an elevation gain of just 242 feet, you'll circle the extinct Broken Top volcano and pass Buffalo Cave. This trail is also the access point to the Wilderness Trail.

The Caves Trail leads to four different caves that are actually lava tubes: Dewdrop Cave, Indian Tunnel, Boy Scout Cave and Beauty Cave. Some of the caves might be closed to protect bats or for the season and you need to obtain a free permit from the Visitor Center to enter any cave. While walking above the ground, you can discover fascinating formations that were created by the latest lava flow: the Blue Dragon Lava Flow with bluish lava.

The "Indian Tunnel" is the largest and longest of the lava tubes along the Caves Trail that can be accessed. To do so, you need to obtain a free permit at the Visitor Center. You will climb over rocks that can be slippery in places, but it is a unique small adventure. On the ceiling of the tube you can see lava stalactites formed as the river of lava pulled away from the ceiling, and molten material began to drip from the hot ceiling. The exit is about 800 feet further north.

There is a fairly large parking lot at the Caves Trailhead. You will find restrooms and picnic benches. To enter one or more caves along the Caves Trail, you need to obtain a free permit at the Visitor Center of Craters of the Moon National Monument.

incredible walk!

The Buffalo Cave is a popular and easy to get to lava cave in Craters of the Moon National Monument. It was created when hot lava cooled down and left a huge tunnel filled with air. Today it is home to numerous bats. Take the Broken Top loop trail to get here. To enter any of the caves, you have to obtain a permit from the Visitor Center. The cave might be closed for the protection of bats.