Near Arco in Butte County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
Are We Loving Them to Death?
Photographs taken at different times demonstrate that unrestricted visitor use left these fragile volcanic cones scarred and worn. The photos also document that, over the years, the foot steps of numerous people have eroded away the top two feet of the cones.
In the 1980s, a rehabilitation project removed trails, installed railings, and restricted travel to paved trails. Erosion slowed, but still continued.
As we enter the twenty-first century, we have taken further steps to preserve this chain of mini-volcanos to ensure they will be here for future generations to enjoy.
You can help preserve these geologic treasures by staying on the trails.
Compare the spatter cones today with those of the past.
Center Image
Pristine spatter cones in the 1920s.
Left Image
Spatter cones in the 1960s. Unrestricted access resulted in extensive damage to the spatter cones.
Right Image
Spatter cones in the 1980s. Rehabilitation and trail development helps to restore the spatter cones.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.
Location. 43° 26.473′ N, 113° 33.483′ W. Marker is near Arco, Idaho, in Butte County. Marker can be reached from U.S. 23/96. Marker is located in the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Marker is located on the Loop Road at the viewing area / parking lot for the Spatter Cones. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Arco ID 83213, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. North Crater Lava Flow (approx. 1.1 miles away); North Crater Flow Trail (approx. 1.1 miles away); Devil's Orchard Trail (approx. 1.2 miles away); Indian Tunnel (approx. 1.4 miles away); Where's the Volcano? (approx. 1.4 miles away); Get over it! (approx. 1.4 miles away); Silent Cone (approx. 1˝ miles away); Volcanoes Along the Rift (approx. 1˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arco.
Also see . . . Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Official National Park Service website. (Submitted on January 21, 2015.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 700 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 21, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
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