Hike the Inferno Cone
Details
Distance
1 miles
Elevation Gain
500 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Josiah Roe
Perhaps the iconic hike and summit in Craters of the Moon National Monument, the 6,181' Inferno Cone gives panoramic views of the surrounding desolate landscape including views of Big Cinder Butte, Silent Cone, the Devil's Orchard and of the numerous lava flows.
To reach the parking lot at the Inferno Cone Trailhead enter the Craters of the Moon National Monument at the main entrance on the north side of the park off US Highway 26 and go approximately 1.5 miles on the 17 miles Loop Road.
There will be clear signage indicating the parking lot at the base of the Cone.
From there, take the obvious use trail .5 miles to the summit.
Note: in the winter there may not be someone manning the park gate, but you can purchase a park entrance ticket from the station on the side of the road.
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Reviews
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Unique Hike
This was definitely a unique hike, if you haven’t had the opportunity to hike to the top of a cinder cone I would highly recommend it! It was short and understandably strenuous for a short distance but very much worth it. There were strong winds the day of my visit so I didn’t linger long at the top, but there were spectacular views.
4.0
Walking on the Moon
This isn’t much of a hike—more of a scenic overlook—but the coolest part isn’t the view... it’s the rock! The entire cone is made of a type of lava rock that is shiny, porous, & light as a feather. Apparently astronauts train here sometimes because this rock is the closest thing to moon rock we have down here on earth. Super cool! At the top there’s a few benches, some bushes & scrub brush, & a really cool gnarly tree on the far side. Definitely stop & check it out when you’re in Craters!
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
Nearby Adventures
Hike the North Crater Trail
Stroll Through Devil's Orchard
Hike the Craters of the Moon's Lava Tubes
Bike the Loop Road at Craters of the Moon National Monument
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