Hell's Half Acre Lava Field
Area Extensive lava field with dramatic volcanic features and trails
Extensive basaltic lava field of jagged rock and cones in Idaho; attracts geologists, hikers and photographers studying unusual volcanic terrain and backcountry tracks.
How to Get to Hell's Half Acre Lava Field #
Accessible by road in central Idaho. Most visitors approach via state highways and local gravel roads; a high-clearance vehicle may be useful for final stretches. Check local land management signage for permitted access and parking areas.
Tips for Visiting Hell's Half Acre Lava Field #
- Wear closed shoes and long pants-lava fields are sharp and can bruise skin easily.
- Bring a compass or GPS; it's surprisingly easy to lose bearings in the black, broken landscape.
- Visit in the morning for softer light-the textures of pahoehoe and a'a basalts photograph best with low-angle sun.
Best Time to Visit Hell's Half Acre Lava Field #
Best in late spring or autumn for comfortable walking and best photographic light; avoid very hot summer days.
Weather & Climate near Hell's Half Acre Lava Field #
Hell's Half Acre Lava Field'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 -11°C to 31°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -11°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -9°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with 32 mm of rain.
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June
June is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 16 mm.
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September
September is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -11°C. Light rainfall.
