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) at a Glance#

Google
Apple
OSM

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.

Air Quality: AQI 30 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
-6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -6° - 3° -5° 40 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
February - -4° - 7° -2° 26 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
March - -1° - 12° 3° 22 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
April - 2° - 17° 7° 21 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
May - 6° - 22° 14° 25 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
June - 10° - 28° 19° 23 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
July - 14° - 34° 24° 6 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
August - 13° - 34° 24° 7 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
September - 8° - 27° 18° 11 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
October - 2° - 20° 11° 14 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
November - -2° - 10° 1° 35 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
December - -6° - 4° -4° 34 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -