I did a search but haven't found any real information on Craters of the Moon. (I totally believe and have totally planned trips by doing searches here, and on other forums, by reading old posts.)

How much time should we allow for a stop here?
What time of day is best, if any?
Any other feedback would be appreciated.
Any interesting places for a meal nearby?
Thank you.

Craters of the Moon are well isolated.
The plains of Idaho are very windy. I have been here when I literally had to use a scarf to tie my cap on my head.
The area is also desolate because not much but sage bush is growing in the lava flow.

I think you could spend as little as 90 minutes there and as much as half a day.

I have been there twice, and doubt if I will detour again to see it.

I am not sure there is a best time of day to see it. If the wind is blowing, as it usually is, you will probably not want to hang around long. I got tired of grit in my eyes and in my ears.

I think the best way to see it is to drive the roads and perhaps hike up to the top of a cinder cone.

We were there last summer and spent about a half day. It was not windy, but threatening rain which eventually arrived.

If you have never seen this sort volcanic landscape, it's quite fascinating. My husband would have happily spent an entire day there photographing, but I'm more in agreement with Bob Brown.

Best time of day would depend on the weather. (You don't say when you are going.) If it's hot, I'd try to be there early or late to avoid the sun, because there is no shade.

As for meals, there is NOTHING right around there, so it would depend which direction you are headed. If you're going up to Ketchum/Sun Valley, there are lots of good restaurants there.

Wanderluster,
I camped here with my family many many years ago. We arrived at the campground probably around 4PM set up our tent in the black pumice, made dinner and took a short walk before dark. The next day we explored the Lava fields and unusual landscape admiring the sparse flora that persisted in this environment. We have camped over much of the West but never in this type of an area so I can only say that the children and we adults had a great time. Surfice to say that it's your approach to the diversity of our Earth whether or not this is a place for you to visit. The night sky was amazing and the eeriness of the surroundings humbling.

went thru there a few years ago and was totally bored; but, that's just me. Couldn't wait to get past it!

Thank you very much for the feedback.
We will plan to stop because its unlikely we'll be back that way again any time soon.
I will include it in my trip report upon return.

I prefer the Dark Side. The Sunny Side has too much crime and I'm sick of the locals (Lunatics) constantly hitting on my wife.

mm

Whoops, I should have noticed this was in the US board and not the celestial board.

mm