Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
150.00 ft (45.72 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
0.40 mi (0.64 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Inferno Cone is a large cinder cone completely devoid of vegetation except on the flat top. The short trek up this cone is a most unusual hike that goes straight up the slope without switchbacks and is fairly steep, but it is short enough for most people to manage.

From the top there is a 360-degree view of the surrounding volcanic landscape, and lava flows and cinder cones are the most prominent features. The stunted and dead trees make the views that much more fascinating. This is a great area to take a close look at the various colors of volcanic rock and to notice how light some of the rock is. The lightest pieces will actually float.

Cinder cones are formed when a volcanic eruption throws up molten rock and ash with a high gas content. The rock and ash drop as they cool, and the buildup eventually forms a cone-shaped hill. The Inferno Cone eruptions occurred from 15,000 to as recently as 2,000 years ago.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Pros

360-degree views. Short trail.

Cons

Steep.

Trailhead Elevation

6,040.00 ft (1,840.99 m)

Features

Big vistas
Geologically significant

Location

Nearby Adventures

Craters of the Moon National Monument
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Craters of the Moon National Monument

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Craters of the Moon National Monument

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