Paisley Cone by Livingston Douglas

The rocky outcrop that is the high point of Paisley Cone. Livingston Douglas Photo

This cone is not in the book. Published December 2019 Paisley Cone is Peak #7 of the Craters 10-Pack Paisley Cone is a rocky outcrop with a steep west face. This cone offers all kinds of lava terrain: loose gravel, boulders, the ever-present talus/scree and rocky outcrops. It is best approached from either the east or the south via the … Continue reading

North Crater by Livingston Douglas

The large summit cairn atop the high point of North Crater in Craters of the Moon National Monument. Snow-clad Blizzard Mountain is in the distance. Livingston Douglas Photo

This peak is not in the book. Published December 2019 North Crater is Peak #6 of the Craters 10-Pack North Crater is more of a rocky outcrop/hill than a crater. Given the off-trail prohibitions on its north side, the best access is via its south side in combination with a multi-peak scramble of Big Craters and Silent Cone. USGS Inferno … Continue reading

Broken Top by Livingston Douglas

The summit cairn atop Broken Top with Big Cinder Butte in the background. Livingston Douglas Photo

This peak is not in the book. Published December 2019 Broken Top is Peak #8 of the Craters 10-Pack Broken Top is a crumbly hill with thick brush and trees on its north side. It lies in the shadow of the much more impressive Big Cinder Butte to the south. Broken Top sits above Buffalo Caves, a popular spot in … Continue reading

Half Cone by Livingston Douglas

Half Cone as viewed from the summit of Big Cinder Butte. The peak is just left of the tree in the photo. Livingston Douglas Photo

This cone is not in the book. Published December 2019 Half Cone is Peak #10 of the Craters 10-Pack Half Cone is an unranked hump located northeast of [much larger] Big Cinder Butte. It is a fun and easy scramble from a saddle connecting the two peaks. The Wilderness Trail gets you to the saddle. USGS Inferno Cone Southwest Face, … Continue reading

Big Craters by Livingston Douglas

The East Face of Big Craters as viewed from the summit of Inferno Cone. The craters are on the far side of the hillside shown on the photo. The summit high point is just behind the trees, on the East Rim. Livingston Douglas Photo

This feature is not in the book. Published December 2019 Big Craters is Peak #4 of the Craters 10-Pack Big Craters is THE thing to see in Craters of the Moon National Monument. These are the only real craters in the park. You know, like the ones you see on THE MOON. While you can see Big Craters from a … Continue reading

Inferno Cone by Livingston Douglas

The summit area of Inferno Cone. Note the large lava boulders and nearby pine tree. Big Cinder Butte is in the background. Livingston Douglas Photo

This peak is not in the book. Published December 2019 Inferno Cone is Peak #3 of the Craters 10-Pack Inferno Cone is a pile of lava gravel/cinders with an unofficial footpath leading to its summit. Much to my surprise, the summit actually has some boulders and a pine tree on it. It is easily reached from a parking pullout area … Continue reading