The Whole Out-of-Doors is Arco's Backyard

Gateway to Craters of the Moon
The unearthly lava landscape of Craters of the Moon National Monument attracts nearly a quarter million visitors each year. The monument also offers local residents a variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in an one-of-a-kind setting. The park provides guided activities and programs in the summer and cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. The monument is the prefect place for seeing wildflowers, bird watching, photography, biking, hiking, camping, and just finding a bit of solitude. The monument offers both developed sites as well as an area the size of Rhode Island to roam about on your own.

The Big Lost River and Pioneer Mountains
Recreational opportunities abound in the National Forest that surrounds Arco. Fishing in the Big Lost River and Mackay Reservoir, hunting for deer, elk, and other game animals in the foothills, and snowmobiling up Antelope Canyon or the Copper Basin are just a few of the activities available. Hang gliders launch off of mountain slopes, campers head for the forest, and hikers take off on trails into alpine lakes. All of this is available within a short distance of Arco.

Snake River Plain
A vast area of sagebrush and lava, this high desert is a stark contrast to the mountain ranges that border it. Most of it is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the area offers a whole new set of recreational possibilities. Visitors can camp, look at wildflowers, ride all-terrain vehicles, hunt, and explore areas such as Kings Bowl, a huge blow out in the lava caused by hot magma exploding as it contacted water just below the earth's surface.

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