Winter can be an enticing season to visit Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho/NPS

Winter is coming, and the staff at Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho is looking forward to some snowy fun. As snow accumulates the loop drive is closed to automobile travel and groomed for skiing and snowshoeing. If you're wondering what you can do at the monument this winter, read on.

Winter activities and events:

Visitor Center: Daily from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., except for the following holidays (November 23, December 25, and January 1) View exhibits and audio-visual presentations to learn more about your national monument. Check out the bookstore for unique gifts or snowshoe rentals. Visit the Craters of the Moon Natural History Association website for more details.

Cross-country Skiing/ Snowshoeing: Mid-December thru February (depending on snow conditions) The 7-mile-loop road will be groomed for skiing as snow pack allows and there are no entry or user fees. Most of the Winter Trail follows relatively level terrain and can be completed in 2-4 hours. There are also excellent opportunities for snowshoeing throughout the park including the park's 1.5-mile Snowshoe Loop Trail. Please note that pets are not permitted on any of our trails.

Visit the park's website for maps and current conditions.

Snowshoe Walk: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturdays; January 6, 13, 20, 27 and February 3, 10, 17 and 24. Explore a cooler side of Craters of the Moon on a ranger-guided snowshoe walk. The day begins with a short introduction to the winter environment, followed by a fun loop through the park on snowshoes. Look for tracks and climb a volcano on this 2-mile trek. Snowshoes are available for complementary use (donations accepted). Reservations are required and participants need to be at least 10 years of age for this moderately strenuous walk. Group size is limited to 25. Call 208-527-1335 early to sign up for these popular excursions.

Group Snowshoe Walk: 9 a.m. - Noon on Saturdays in January and February by reservation. Are you looking for a special adventure for your group or club? The day begins with a short introduction to the winter environment, followed by a fun loop through the park on snowshoes. Look for tracks and climb a volcano on this 2-mile trek. Snowshoes are available for use and there is no charge for these events (donations accepted). Reservations are required and participants need to be at least 10 years of age for this moderately strenuous walk. Group size is limited to 25. Call 208-527-1335 early to sign up for these popular excursions.

Snow School: Tuesday through Friday in January and February. Bring your students to Craters for an unforgettable and educational snowshoe trek. Snowshoe with a ranger and learn about how wildlife adapts to winter conditions. The park has enough snowshoes for about 30 students, and the walks are suitable for third graders and up. Contact the park at (208) 527-1332 for more information or to schedule a field trip. Transportation assistance is available! After registering for a Snow School visit we will provide you with detailed information on what to wear and bring.