Minnetonka Cave
St. Charles Canyon, ID, 40°F inside, from $8
Lava tubes reached by a 1.6-mile round-trip trail in Craters of the Moon National Monument. Indian Tunnel is the easiest, an 800-foot tube lit by natural skylights; Dewdrop Cave is harder.
What you'll see
- Indian Tunnel
- Natural skylights
- Dewdrop Cave
Tickets and timing
- How long it takes
- 60–90 minutes
- Hours
- Usually open late May through October; closed in winter.
- Booking
- No reservations. Pick up a free cave permit in person at the visitor center.
Getting around underground
- The walk
- 1.6 miles round trip on rough ground. Indian Tunnel has stairs at the entrance and a scramble over big rocks.
- Wheelchairs
- Not accessible: stairs and rock scrambling.
Dogs, weather and what to wear
- Dogs
- Not allowed on the trails or in the caves; service dogs are.
Good to know
- Minimum age
- Everyone should be able to walk on their own; not suitable for infants.
- Wildlife
- Bats live in the caves. Gear used in other caves or mines isn't allowed.
Getting there
Craters of the Moon Caves (Indian Tunnel) is in or near Arco, ID.
Parking: Caves Trail parking area with vault toilets; no shade.
- Boiseabout 145 miles
- Salt Lake Cityabout 211 miles
Distances are straight-line from each city center. The pin marks the nearest town, not the cave entrance.
Questions people ask
How long does a visit to Craters of the Moon Caves (Indian Tunnel) take?
60–90 minutes
Can you visit Craters of the Moon Caves (Indian Tunnel) in a wheelchair?
Not accessible: stairs and rock scrambling.
Are dogs allowed at Craters of the Moon Caves (Indian Tunnel)?
Not allowed on the trails or in the caves; service dogs are.
Do you need to book Craters of the Moon Caves (Indian Tunnel) in advance?
No reservations. Pick up a free cave permit in person at the visitor center.
Is there a minimum age for Craters of the Moon Caves (Indian Tunnel)?
Everyone should be able to walk on their own; not suitable for infants.
Listed in: self-guided caves, lava tubes
Checked on 2026-10-23 against nps.gov (Craters of the Moon caves page). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.