Crater Rings (Idaho)

Crater Twin circular volcanic ring formations and lava features

Paired volcanic explosion craters on Idaho rangeland, the Crater Rings are a National Natural Landmark visited for geology, backroad drives and short hikes along the rims.

Main image
Crater Rings (Idaho)
43.1902, -115.8543

How to Get to Crater Rings (Idaho) #

The Crater Rings lie in southwestern Idaho. Access is typically by secondary roads off Idaho State Highways; the nearest towns and services are rural. A high-clearance vehicle is helpful; consult local BLM maps for access and any seasonal road closures.

Tips for Visiting Crater Rings (Idaho) #

  • Wear close-toed shoes and bring sun protection - the site is exposed and trails are short but unshaded.
  • Stay on marked trails to protect fragile volcanic features and cryptobiotic soil.
  • Visit at golden hour for the best light on the concentric rings.

Best Time to Visit Crater Rings (Idaho) #

Best visited in warmer months when access roads are clear and trails are dry; avoid wet or icy conditions.

Late Spring-Early Fall (May-Oct)
May-October · 10-28°C (50-82°F)
Warmer, drier weather and easier access to the site's trails.
Winter (Nov-Mar)
November-March · -5-10°C (23-50°F)
Colder conditions; check for snow or ice on roads leading to the site.
Shoulder Months (Apr, Oct)
April, October · 5-20°C (41-68°F)
Fewer visitors and pleasant walking conditions.

Weather & Climate near Crater Rings (Idaho) #

Climate

Crater Rings (Idaho)'s climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 34°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
-6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. The wettest month with 40 mm of rain.

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

26 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1° 12°

Weather

22 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
17°

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
10° 28°

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 34°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 6 mm.

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
14° 34°

Weather

6 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 34°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
13° 34°

Weather

7 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cool with highs of 27°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
27°

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2° 10°

Weather

35 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

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