Lonesome Highway — Camas Creek Road to Craters of the Moon via the Great Rift Zone
Lava, silence, and the edge of the world.
The Great Rift is one of the longest volcanic rift zones in North America, and the two-track that runs along its eastern margin north of Craters of the Moon National Monument is about as otherworldly as it gets in the lower 48. Starting off Camas Creek Road northeast of Carey, Idaho, this route crosses sagebrush benchland before descending onto the Snake River Plain lava field. Spatter cones, tree-mold lava tubes, and pressure ridges define the terrain — the pahoehoe and aa flows are sharp enough to shred tires and sidewalls if you drift off the two-track. The route links eventually to the Kings Bowl lava field, a National Natural Landmark, which sits directly over a 2,000-year-old eruptive fissure.
This is a high-clearance 4WD route — not technically difficult on firm dry ground, but the lava surface punishes undercarriage and sidewalls if you wander. Skid plates are highly recommended. Zero water on the entire route; carry everything you need. No permits for BLM sections, but the Monument itself requires an entry fee. Best season is May through October — the lava holds heat in summer, so early morning departures matter. Cell service is nonexistent. Dispersed camping is available on BLM land outside Monument boundaries.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 45 mi / 72.4 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5900 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Carey, ID |
| Land manager | BLM Shoshone Field Office / NPS Craters of the Moon |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | nps.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need a lift?
A stock 4WD high-clearance rig with skid plates is the minimum — stock Tacomas and 4Runners handle it fine. The lava rock surface is the real concern, so bash plates underneath matter more than lift height. Don't attempt it in a 2WD crossover.
When does the trail open in spring and is it passable in late October?
Best window is May through October. Spring snow and mud can make the dirt sections impassable into early May depending on the year. By late October you're gambling on early snow and freezing temps overnight — doable but check the forecast hard before you commit.
Do I need a permit to drive through or camp along the Great Rift Zone?
No permit required for the BLM sections and dispersed camping along the route is free. Once you reach Craters of the Moon National Monument at the end, there's a standard NPS entrance fee — currently $25 per vehicle (verify current rates at nps.gov/crmo before you go).
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it difficult?
The roughest stretch runs through the lava fields approaching the Great Rift — sharp, uneven basalt that's punishing on tires and undercarriage. It's not a technical crawl, but the relentless rock chop at moderate speed will find any weak point in your skid plates or sidewalls. Aired-down tires and patience get you through it.
Is there any water or gas along the route, and what's the cell service situation?
There is zero cell service for the entire 45 miles — plan accordingly and carry a satellite communicator. No water sources along the route, so carry all you need; the lava plain is brutally dry. Carey, ID is your last fuel stop before the start, and the nearest services at the Craters end are limited — top off the tank in Carey.
Trail track
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