About
Length (round trip)3.5 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyModerate
Elevation gain758 ft up
Typical time1 hr 45 min
TrailheadNorth Crater Trailhead or Spatter Cones Parking Area
ParkingThe northern trailhead is located along the Loop Road, less than a mile from the visitor center. Parking is a few hundred feet south of the larger North Crater Flow parking area. The southern trailhead is located at the Spatter Cones parking area, also on the Loop Road, about 2.5 miles from the visitor center. RV parking is available.
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilityTRAIL LENGTH: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) round-trip CUMULATIVE ELEVATION CHANGE: gain 758 ft (231 m), loss 510 ft (155 m) TYPICAL GRADE: 7.5 deg (13.4%) 64% of trail is from 4.5 deg to 43 deg (8% to 94%) Standard wheelchair ramp is 4.5 deg (8%) TYPICAL CROSS SLOPE: 2.5 deg (4.2%) 28% of trail is from 4.5 deg to 48.5 deg (8% to 113%) TYPICAL TREAD WIDTH: 4...

Trail length:3.5 miles (5.6 km) round-trip Elevation gain:758 ft (231 m) This strenuous trail traverses North Crater and drops into the crater mouth, the vent for the North Crater flow. The trail continues to the rim of Big Craters before descending to the Spatter Cones. For your safety and to protect fragile lava formations, off-trail travel is not permitted at the Spatter Cones or Big Craters areas. Start your hike at either end of the trail. The northern trailhead is located just a few hundred feet up the park road from the adjacent North Crater Flow Trailhead, and the southern trailhead is located at the Spatter Cones parking area, branching off from the Snow Cone walkway. Hike out and back, or arrange to be picked up or dropped off at one end for a shorter trip.

Tips
Pets are not allowed on any trails or in caves. Lava rocks are rough and jagged. The surface of the dark rocks and asphalt can reach 150 degF (65 degC) or more in the summer and quickly burns paws. Pets should never be left unattended in vehicles or the campground. Parking areas do not have shade and air temperaturescan exceed 90 degF (32 degC) in the middle of summer.
Location

North Crater Trailhead or Spatter Cones Parking Area

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No one has logged this trail yet.
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Trail data: USGS National Map / PAD-US, the National Park Service, state agencies, and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Access and conditions change — check with the managing agency before you go.