Twin Falls: Craters of the Moon Full-Day Tour with Lunch

Discover the Unique Charm of the Craters of the Moon Full-Day Tour

The Twin Falls: Craters of the Moon Full-Day Tour with Lunch offers an engaging journey into one of Idaho’s most striking geological wonders. Priced at $169 per person and lasting 8 hours, this tour delivers a comprehensive exploration of the Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve. It’s designed for travelers eager to experience outdoor lunar-like landscapes, volcanic formations, and caves without the hassle of planning each detail themselves.

Departing from the Twin Falls area, the tour is perfect for those who appreciate guided insight, scenic drives, and manageable walking. The inclusion of lunch, entry fees, and a luxury vehicle makes it a convenient and value-packed choice. While the tour involves some walking and outdoor exposure, it’s tailored for most travelers comfortable with a full day outside, but not suited for those with mobility issues.

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Key Points

• Full-day adventure lasting 8 hours in Idaho’s volcanic landscapes
• All entry fees and a hearty lunch included in the price of $169
• Travel is in a luxury vehicle with small group size (max 7 guests) for a personalized experience
• Highlights include walking on ancient lava fields, visiting Indian Tunnel lava tube, and climbing Inferno Cone for panoramic views
• Tour departs from the Twin Falls Visitor Center and includes a scenic loop drive with multiple photo stops
• The tour is suitable for most ages but not recommended for mobility-impaired or wheelchair users

Starting Point at the Twin Falls Visitor Center

This tour begins at the staircase outside the Twin Falls Visitor Center. The guide greets guests here, ready to share insights throughout the day. After gathering, the group boards a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle, beginning their seven-mile scenic loop into the volcanic landscape of the Craters of the Moon.

The meeting point is straightforward, making it convenient for travelers staying nearby or arriving early. The tour’s small group size ensures an intimate setting, with up to seven guests sharing the experience.

Exploring the Visitor Center and Introductory Film

The tour kicks off with a brief visit to the Craters of the Moon Visitor Center. Here, an engaging seven-minute film provides an overview of how the landscape formed, setting the scene for the day ahead. Exhibits include a topographical map, Native American artifacts, and geologic displays, offering contextual details about this unique area.

Visitors get the chance to browse the gift shop for souvenirs and take advantage of the passport stamp station. This initial stop benefits from clear signage and a friendly atmosphere, preparing guests for the outdoor adventures to come.

Walking the North Crater Flow Lava Fields

One of the tour’s highlights is the quarter-mile walk across a paved pathway through the North Crater Flow area. This relatively short, accessible trail provides close-up views of fresh lava formations and interpretive signs explaining the geology. The lava flow is one of the youngest in the monument, offering an up-close look at volcanic activity.

The terrain here is manageable, but visitors should wear comfortable shoes. This stop offers excellent opportunities for photos and to appreciate the scale of volcanic forces.

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Exploring the Devil’s Orchard

Next, the tour takes visitors through Devil’s Orchard, a volcanic “island” with strange, sculpted features. The half-mile paved walk offers a glimpse into how volcanic activity shapes the landscape. Interpretive signs explain the delicate balance of preservation efforts aimed at protecting this unusual area.

This stop provides a close look at volcanic islands and their ecosystems, perfect for those interested in geology and landscape features. The walk is suitable for most guests, but good walking shoes are recommended.

Climbing Inferno Cone for 360-Degree Views

A key moment of the tour is the hike up Inferno Cone. This short but steep climb rewards visitors with panoramic, 360-degree views of the entire monument. From this vantage point, you can see the fissures of the Great Rift, stretching over 52 miles, and the surrounding volcanic terrain.

Standing atop Inferno Cone allows for breathtaking photo opportunities and a solid understanding of the geologic activity that shaped this landscape. The effort involved is moderate, so comfortable footwear and outdoor clothing are advised.

Venturing into Indian Tunnel Lava Tube

After descending from Inferno Cone, the tour visits the Indian Tunnel lava tube, an ancient underground cave. This spectacular feature offers an adventurous experience and insight into volcanic processes underground. The guide prepares visitors with interpretive information before venturing inside, ensuring safety and understanding.

The lava tube is a highlight for those interested in caving, geology, and natural formations. The tour includes all necessary safety guidance, making it accessible for most participants.

Scenic Loop Drive with Photo Stops

Throughout the day, guests enjoy a scenic loop drive in the luxury vehicle, stopping at pullouts for sightseeing and picture-taking. These stops reveal dramatic volcanic features, fissures, and landscape vistas. The comfort of the vehicle allows for relaxed viewing and minimizes walking between points.

This part of the tour emphasizes scenic photography and appreciating the vastness of the volcanic terrain. It’s an ideal way to take in Idaho’s otherworldly scenery without extensive hiking.

Lunch at the Cave Area

At the Cave Area, the guide prepares a sack lunch which includes a sandwich, chips, a dessert, and a water. Guests take a break here to enjoy their meal, recharge, and discuss the morning’s discoveries. The packed lunch is convenient and filling, allowing for more time to explore afterward.

The picnic area offers a relaxed setting amid the volcanic landscape, enhancing the overall experience with outdoor dining.

Practicalities: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package covers all entry fees, the sack lunch, and transportation in a luxury vehicle. An interpretive guide leads the small group, providing insights and answering questions along the way. The price also includes pickup and drop-off from the Twin Falls area.

The only additional cost to consider is guide gratuity, which is at your discretion. The tour does not include weapons, alcohol, or explosive substances, ensuring a safe and respectful environment.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

Guests should wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, camera, snacks, and sunscreen. The tour involves walking on paved pathways and some hiking up Inferno Cone, but it’s manageable for most fit visitors. Mobility-impaired or wheelchair users are advised to note that this tour is not suitable for those with mobility limitations.

The weight limit per passenger is 275 pounds; travelers over this weight should contact the provider beforehand. Children must be in appropriate booster or car seats.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policies

Reservations can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking process offers a reserve now, pay later option, providing flexibility for travel plans. The tour usually departs in the morning, with a typical duration of 8 hours.

Final Assessment: Who Will Love This Tour?

The Twin Falls Craters of the Moon Full-Day Tour offers an immersive outdoor experience in Idaho’s volcanic landscapes. It is especially suited for geology enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, and those seeking a guided, well-organized day. The inclusion of a small group ensures personalized attention from the guide and comfortable pacing.

While it provides stunning views and fascinating geological features, those with mobility challenges should consider restrictions. The tour balances educational stops, scenic drives, and walking, making it a diverse and engaging way to see this extraordinary landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off in a luxury vehicle.

What should I bring for the tour?
Guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and outdoor clothing.

Can children participate?
Children are welcome but must be in appropriate booster or car seats. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, usually departing in the morning.

What’s included in the price?
All entry fees, lunch, transportation, and an interpretive guide are included in the $169 cost.

Are there any physical limitations?
Yes, the tour involves walking on paved pathways and some hiking. It is not suitable for mobility-impaired or wheelchair users. The weight limit per passenger is 275 pounds.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby