Tree Molds Trail
Visitors Center, Craters of the Moon National Monument
| Address: | Tree Molds Trail, Idaho 83213, USA |
| GPS: |
43°25'39.6"N 113°32'55.4"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Idaho |
| Trails/Routes: | 1.9 mi |
Restrooms Pet Friendly Bicycles Motorized Use
Hike
When molten lava advanced through this area it flowed through a grove of living trees. As the trees burned, moisture was released as steam, cooling the hot lava just enough to leave an impression of the charred wood on the surface.
Tree molds may appear as vertical holes in the lava, or if the tree fell on to the surface of a molten flow, a horizontal mold. Look for wooden posts that indicate the location of both types of tree molds near the end of this trail.
Follow the paved ramp that goes south of the trailhead sign near the parking lot. This trail winds through shrubs and stands of limber pine within the Craters of the Moon Wilderness before reaching the edge of the Blue Dragon Flow. While still molten, this lava flow knocked down and ignited trees. The charred tree trunks left impressions in the lava rock. In other places, the trees remained standing as the lava encased them, leaving vertical molds in the cooling lava.Courtesy of nps.gov
More Information
Add ResourceBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Visitors Center, Craters of the Moon National Monument
- Head east on Loop RdParts of this road may be closed at certain times or days(2.8 mi)
- Turn left to stay on Loop RdMay be closed at certain times or days(0.7 mi)
- Turn right (0.3 mi)
- Keep left (0.3 mi)
- Keep right (0.7 mi)
Trails
Distance ?
1.9 miles Round TripElevation Gain ?
-38 feetReal Ascent ?
95 feetReal Descent ?
133 feetAvg Grade (0°)
-1%Grade (-7° to 9°)
-12% to 16%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.
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