Further up the 7.0 mile (11.2 KM) loop road from Devils Orchard Nature Trail in Craters of the Moon National Monument, the newly paved road swings west around 6,181 ft (1,861 m) Paisley Cone and becomes one-way heading directly towards Big Craters and 6,357 ft (1,038 m) Silent Cone. A roadside pullout provides parking at the base of 6,181 ft (1,884 m) Inferno Cone. We park the car and are surrounded by smooth, black, volcanic cinder cones.
The view from the base of Inferno Cone looking north at 6,170 ft (1,903 m) Paisley Cone
A short, 0.5 mile (0.8 KM), round-trip hike from the roadside trailhead, with only a 164 ft (50 m) consistent elevation gain, will take us straight to the top of Inferno Cone.
Inferno Cone was created by wind-blown volcanic cinder from another location.
The large barren cone is a large, black mound of fine, moderately steep cinder that shifts slightly underfoot, but the short trip leads to a flat top thick with desert plants. On the east side of the deceivingly large top of the cone is a lone, old tree which has survived the ravages of wind, weather and time. It is the same tree that is silhouetted so prominently in the view from Devils Orchard. The distortion created by distance in this black, bland environment becomes immediately apparent. I expected a much smaller tree and I did not expect the cone to be so large or the vegetation to be so lush. It is an excellent opportunities to hike around the edge of Inferno Cones flat summit and absorb the breathtaking, expansive views of Craters of the Moon National Monument. At the top we take photos prior to descent. There is no crater at the summit. Inferno Cone and other cones nearby are the product of cinder eruption from an area likely near the Spatter Cones then blown by the wind to create a mountain-sized pile of fine cinder. It is difficult to imagine the violence and ferocity of the eruptions which would create this environment. At only 2,000 years in age, it is certain resident Native Indian populations of the time witnessed these events. It is likely there will be new volcanic activity on the surface of the Earth as long as plates shift and the planet gradually cools and shrinks in geological time.
The cinder trail is straight up the west side of Inferno Cone.
- The lone large tree at the top of Inferno Cone in Craters of the Moon National Monument
- Mel gives scale to the old tree. Mel is the one on photo right.
Vistas from the top of Inferno Cone are unique, expansive and spectacular. A cool breeze balances the heat of a warm day.
A view from the 6,181 ft (1,884 m) summit of Inferno Cone
A view from the summit of Inferno Cone towards Paisley Cone
The dense shrubbery at the top is in stark contrast to the barren cinder slopes of Inferno Cone
Another view from the top. A fascinating collection of earth colours and shapes.
- Inferno Cone’s black cinder slope against Paisley Cone in the background
- Mel on the descent of Inferno Cone
After this short bit of exercise, laced with an abundance of fresh air and spectacular views of the fascinating volcanic views along the Great Rift, we continue to our next stop at two miniature volcanoes called Spatter Cones.
Free subscription to Hiking With Barry
One more very unique place to wander. Invites me to think about hiking in Hawaii as well one day. I really like that old tree also. Hardy old soul they are.
D
DSD recently posted.."A Silken Summit…"
I have hiked in the lava fields of Kauai and Maui many years ago. It is amazing as well as one of the most active volcanic areas on the planet. I have not been to Iceland but I have enjoyed posts by Rick McCharles on the Best Hike.com Blog . Volcanic terrain is uniquely beautiful and profoundly different from that to which I am accustomed. I would recommend the experience to anyone. Thanks for your comment, D. and I hope you take the opportunity to hike in Hawaii. More than thirty-five years later, the images remain vivid in my mind. If I remember correctly, some of the lava was still warm
You have introduced me to a place I never knew existed and I’m so intrigued that I have added Craters of The Moon National Monument to my to-do list, possibly next year! Thank you for sharing your adventures in Idaho with us.
Andra recently posted..Wondering Wednesday!
A good lava field is a fascinating place to visit. Unique terrain. I would recommend a day, max two in the Craters of the Moon National Monument. Driving through Nevada and Idaho desert is similar to driving through prairie. It is incredibly beautiful if attention is paid to detail and a sense of humour is maintained at all times. Good music and possibly singing out loud helps. There is a derelict shack standing at riverside in Arco which we passed at perfect morning light. I will never forgive myself for not stopping to take photographs. You will enjoy Craters of the Moon National Monument. It is in the middle of nowhere but worth the visit and a huge educational experience. Recommend you take rock helmets for the caves. Thanks for your comment, Andra.
Pingback: Inferno Cone Trail | Craters of the Moon National Monument | Hikespeak.com
Pingback: Yosemite National Park Trip Epilogue - Hiking California