Craters of the Moon National Monument June 15-17,2017

[Dreamer]

I usually plan my trips out West well in advance, mostly because I save on flight and car rental costs. That got me in a bit of a bind last summer as my favourite range got like a 300 percent snowpack and I had hoped to start hiking in late June. So I needed to pass some time. I had wanted to overnight at Craters before but when I was there last the smoke was just terrible so I left. After making a snap decision I drove over from Lander arriving late in the afternoon. Love those long, long days of early summer. As I was gearing up in the parking lot a young guy pulled in and started the same. We chatted and found that we were headed to the same place and agreed to walk together. I like the low weight of short trips except when water is required. We had an uneventful walk out to our site. It was nice and cool and I do like the low angle light of late day. I slept in the open. My short term buddy headed out in the morning and I took a day hike. I love the beauty and starkness here. Had a super quiet night and again slept in the open. In the morning the omnipresent wind had dropped. I had a leisurely walk back through peak flowers.

 

[Vegan.Hiker]

Wow. I love the open, unrestricted views. Very cool.

 

[Miya]

Very unique area! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Dreamer]

I love the open, unrestricted views.

I know, me too, the Mountain West is just so big for us Easterners. I can likely see more trees from my deck here in Maine than grow in the whole Craters of the Moon