Day 13 – An Ancient World – Crater of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

Lamb's Ear growing on lava dome

After having a great breakfast at The Virginian (where we first had breakfast in 2011 during our ride from Cape Flattery to Key West, AKA Bike Trip 2011) we were quickly on our way to see the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.  To get there, we ascended and descended two mountain passes.  The most dramatic one was the Teton Pass, between Wilson and Victor, with an elevation of 8431 feet, with 10% grades going up and down. 

Later after we drove through Arco we saw off in the distance a large butte, and then later two more buttes. Big Butte is a 300,000 year old butte some 2500 feet high.  Although East Butte is over 600,000 years old, it is smaller than Big Butte.  Middle Butte is, well, somewhere in the middle.

The real treat of the day, though, was The Craters of the Moon—a truly phenomenal place—a land of lava flows, a great rift, cinder domes and life growing out of seeming barrenness.  We took a four-hour self-guided motor & hiking tour of the preserve.  Pictures do not really do justice to this incredible place, but we share some of ours below.

We had dinner on the road to Bliss – purchased from a gas station convenience store:   Fritos + Frito Bean Dip + Soda Pop!  And then we were in the tiny town of Bliss - also a revisit from our 2011 bike trip.  We even stayed in the same hotel!  (No wonder—it is the only hotel.)

Diane & Rob

From the top of Teton Pass looking back at Jackson, WY..

The Transit says, "Whee...." after laboring up the 10% grade to the top of Teton Pass. 

Fall comes to Southeastern Idaho.

The following photos are all from the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.

AA lava in front of a cinder dome. For glossary of lava types and formations go the Crater of the Moon hot link. 

Classic lava flow.

Another lava flow. 

Diane on her way up the 1000 ft cinder dome. 

Diane climbing a splatter cone. 

Remnants of a cinder dome. 

Plants and trees have invaded the lava fields. From the ancient lichens to conifers. 

Green and orange lichens growing on basalt. 

White lichen on a huge cinder field. 

An unknown plant and grass among the basalt.

A Limber Pine growing from a crevice in a lava flow. (Google Limber Pine to discover its interesting characteristics.)

A pine with a better view. 

"A murdered Limber Pine."  In the 1960's Preserve trees with mistletoe were killed so as not to "infect" other trees. Over 6000 trees were killed. it was later learned the trees could survive the mistletoe.  Truly a case of the "cure being much worse than the disease."