60-90 Minutes
Hike Broken Top Loop
Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve
Find a variety of unique volcanic features on this moderate-difficulty 1.8 mile loop.
Trail Length: 1.8 mi (3 km) Loop Elevation gain: 242 ft (74 m) The Broken Top Loop Trail is one of the most outstanding trails within Craters of the Moon. You can observe nearly every type of volcanic feature characteristic of the basaltic eruptions that created this unearthly landscape. This trail also provides access to the Wilderness Trail. The Broken Top Loop Hiking Guide lets you learn about this amazing area on your hike and is available at the trailhead or from the visitor center bookstore managed by the Craters of the Moon Natural History Association.
Tags
HikingGeologyScenic ViewsVolcanoesIdahoSOID Parkssnake river plainGreat Riftcinder conevolcanohikinglava flowhalf dayself guidedlava field
Visitor Photos
No visitor photos yet
Details
Duration
60-90 Minutes
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Spring, Summer, Fall
Accessibility
TRAIL LENGTH: 1.8 miles (3 km) loop CUMULATIVE ELEVATION CHANGE: Gain 242 ft (74 m), loss 197 ft (60 m) TYPICAL GRADE: 3° (4.8%) 23% of trail is from 4.5° to 32° (8% to 62%) Standard wheelchair ramp is 4.5° (8%) TYPICAL CROSS SLOPE: 1° (2.3%) 12% of trail is from 4.5° to 16° (8% to 29%) TYPICAL TREAD WIDTH: 49 in (124 cm) MINIMUM TREAD WIDTH: 18 in (46 cm) TRAIL SURFACE: Gravel-like cinders and lava 74% of trail is FIRM, 26% of trail is HARD or PAVED OBSTRUCTIONS: ROCKS to 12 inches, RUTS to 10 inches, STEPS to 20 inches WARNING: Trail conditions may have changed since this trail was assessed. Temporary obstructions may include downed trees and rock fall. Maximum grades and cross slopes may vary by 10% or more.
Pets
No — Pets are not allowed on any trails or in caves. Lava rocks are rough and jagged. The surface of the dark rocks can reach 150°F (65°C) or more in the summer and quickly burns paws. Pets should never be left unattended in vehicles or the campground. Parking areas do not have shade and air temperatures can exceed 90°F (32°C) in the middle of summer.
Reservations
No
Location
Tree Molds Parking Area