Group Size Limitation
Spring, Summer, and Fall
Outside of winter, education groups are limited to a maximum of two classrooms of no more than 60 people total during their visit to the park. To further preserve the national park experience for all visitors, education groups over 30 in number are asked to divide into separate groups (pods). Each pod has a maximum of 30 people. Both trail and parking capacity were considered in determining the group size limitations. Chaperone supervision is integral to ensuring that the park resource, visitors, and students are safe during their visit. We suggest a minimum of one chaperone for every 10 students.
Each pod will travel as their own group, and only one pod may be at a hiking trail/parking area at a time. For example, one pod may be on the Inferno Cone trail (pod 1) while another is at Devil’s Orchard trail (pod 2). Please plan your trip and bus routes accordingly so that your pods do not overlap at any park site.
Winter
Education groups participating in SnowSchool are limited to a maximum of 25 students total (not including chaperones) during their visit to the park due to the limited number of snowshoes available.
Vehicles and Parking
Spring, Summer, and Fall
Due to limited parking at each stop, education groups are allowed no more than 5 vehicles at Craters of the Moon during their visit.
Winter
Education groups are allowed no more than one vehicle at Craters of the Moon during the winter due to extemely limited parking at the visitor center.
Academic Fee Waivers
Classes or groups from accredited academic institutions may apply for a fee waiver. Academic fee waivers are not granted automatically. Educational groups must apply and meet the criteria to receive a fee waiver. There are two criteria to qualify for an academic fee waiver: eligibility and educational purpose or relevance of park resources or facilities. Groups that choose to not make a reservation or apply for an academic fee waiver will be charged the standard entrance fee per vehicle. Find out more information about fees & passes.
Transportation and Logistics Assistance
We recognize that limiting the number of people on a bus may be cost prohibitive. Our team is willing to work with education groups to explore transportation assistance fund options to help reimburse potential bus costs. If you are interested in transportation assistance, please fill out and return the transportation assistance request letter included in the initial email. We will also work with education groups to discuss pod logistics, potential pod routes and sample itineraries to ensure that students and visitors can safely enjoy the park.
During the 2024 calendar year, transportation asstance may be unavailable.
Bookstore and Restroom Use
The visitor center and bookstore will be open to education groups in a limited capacity. Five people, four students and one chaperone, from the education group are allowed inside the bookstore for up to 10 minutes at a time. Students may only enter the bookstore if they are intending to make a purchase.
The visitor center breezeway and restroom area are open to the public. Please adhere to social distancing and safety measures in these shared spaces. Comfort stations with restrooms are also available throughout the site at various parking areas. If your group plans to use the restrooms at the visitor center, please limit the number of students inside this area.
Other Considerations
To reduce environmental impact, please bring garbage bags to sort plastic, glass, and metal cans if you plan to have lunch on site. Education groups should place the material to be recycled in the recycle bins on the way out of the park. If education groups choose to have lunch on site, please stay in your pods and practice proper social distancing when possible.
There are a few wheelchair accessible trails within the park and our visitor center and museum are accessible. Please let us know if you have any participants that require an accessible site.
COVID-19 Precautions
Now more than ever, let’s recreate responsibly. When enjoying your parks, please follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, and avoid crowding and high-risk outdoor activities. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.
Additional details are available at nps.gov. Please recreate responsibly.
Education Resources
We strongly encourage educators to utilize the following resources to prepare for a visit to this special place. Please review the Spring and Fall Field Trip Guide and visit our Curriculum Materials page for more resources. Watch the 15 minute orientation video, and check out our park film, Craters of the Moon: The Movie (Duration: 21 minutes) as well as other videos on our Multimedia Presentations page.
Thank you for helping us ensure that all visitors, staff, and students have a safe and enjoyable experience here Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve!
