Craters of the Moon National Monument (Episode 7)

Send us Fan MailCraters of the Moon National Monument in southern Idaho looks like the surface of the moon. That's not a metaphor — it's why four Apollo 14 astronauts came here in 1969 to train for their lunar mission, learning which rock samples would be most valuable to bring back from space.The monument is 750,000 acres of hardened lava flows, cinder cones, and lava tube caves — created by eight volcanic eruptions over the past 15,000 years. Geologists believe we may be overdue for another one within the next 900 years. Interpretive Ranger Matt Pfeiffer joins The Parks Podcast to share everything you need to know about one of the most surreal landscapes in America.In this episode: — How Craters of the Moon was created — and why it could erupt again within 900 years — The Great Rift — what causes these eruptions and why they look nothing like a traditional volcano — The caves — 500+ lava tube caves documented, 2 open to the public, and why they matter for bats — The Apollo 14 astronaut training story — How pika survive at Craters of the Moon when they typically need high-altitude cold — Hiking, backpacking, camping, and the North Crater Trail — Winter at Craters of the Moon — skiing the loop road and snow camping — Dogs, water safety, and what to know before you goLinks mentioned: — Plan your visit: nps.gov/crmo — Backcountry camping wilderness permit: free at the visitor center — Echo Crater: the most popular backcountry camping destination in the monumentSupport the show