Short but steep hike to one of the best photo locations in the park.

There are multiple hikes in Craters of the Moon that reach the top of cinder cones, and Inferno Cone is the shortest of them. It's a steep but smooth walk on compacted cinders to the top of this little volcano. There's no pronounced crater at the top, but a broad dome with incredible views on all sides.

You'll notice a natural platform of oddly red-colored stone, and if you look around you'll find many  variations of blackened volcanic rock, forged by eruptions long ago. Look, but don't collect! The most striking attraction is a singular pine tree––tall but gnarled by the wind––that's managed to grow up here. You'll see its roots have already been badly exposed, so please don't trample too close to it. With careful footsteps you can move about the summit and see landmarks throughout the lava fields and beyond. Written by Jesse Weber

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Inferno Cone

Hiking Trail

Route and Elevation