A combination of pleasant daytime temperatures, ranger-guided activities and abundant wildflowers makes June a great time to visit the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.
Although wildflowers continue to bloom throughout the summer, mid-June is the best time to catch a rainbow of color cloaking the dark cinder slopes seen in the high desert park, a news release from the National Park Service states. The remote 750,000-acre monument is located about 25 miles northeast of Carey on U.S. Highway 20.
The news release states that as a result of the abnormally wet and cool spring the area has experienced, this summer's "cinder flower" bloom should be memorable and may extend into July. Daily ranger guided walks and talks will begin later today, Friday, June 13.
The following special events are also available in June:
· Wildflower Walks: June 14 and June 21. Witness the annual eruption of wildflowers on a ranger-guided hike. Call (208) 527-1300 to reserve space for these popular walks.
· Ranger guided walks and talks, June 13 through Aug. 16: Climb a volcano, explore a lava tube or join park employees for an evening presentation in the campground. Walks, talks and presentations are offered daily throughout the summer. Look for a detailed schedule at www.nps.gov/crmo.
· Star Party, June 27-28: View the stars from the Moon! Well, sort of. Join experts from the Idaho Falls Astronomical Society and experience the universe under the naturally dark skies of Craters of the Moon. Meet in the Caves area parking lot after dark.
· Wilderness Water Holes Hike, June 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Surprisingly, there is standing water to be found at Craters of the Moon. This nine-mile hike will explore the first federally designated wilderness area in a unit of the National Park System with a hike on the "Wilderness Trail" out to several water holes that dot the rugged landscape. Reservations can be made by calling (208) 527-1300. Meet at the Tree Molds parking lot.
Photo by Mountain Express
