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Hiking the lava is a unique experience. Lava rock is extremely sharp and fragmented, with open cracks and caves.


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Map Key

0.9

Miles

1.4

KM

Loop

5,150' 1,570 m

High

5,114' 1,559 m

Low

55' 17 m

Up

49' 15 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

7%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Cave · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly My kids love exploring in the cracks of the lava flow. Some are 20+ ft deep and require some rock scrambling.

Fair warning that the lava is sharp so be careful with your outdoor gear! Dogs are permitted but the terrain can be hard on their feet.

Description

This is a short, one mile, loop hike over an ancient lava flow. I've done the hike going both directions, and it doesn't change the difficulty or experience. The trail is faint in places because of the lack of any dirt so wood poles painted blue on the top are spaced out to mark the trail. The terrain meanders across rolling hills, all on lava rock. There are several steep spots and large cracks in the lava flow that have to be navigated around or crossed. Another trail marked with red poles intersects this loop near the southwest corner. The red trail goes south to the "Vent" where the lava came from.

Flora & Fauna

Juniper trees, wildflowers, ferns, sage brush, deer, and rabbits can be seen in this area.

Contacts

Shared By:

Christopher Rix

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 2 votes

#25026

Overall
  3.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#859

in Idaho

#25,026

Overall
7 Views Last Month
2,610 Since Apr 2, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

The scenery at Hell's Half Acre Lava Flow is not something you see every day!
Apr 6, 2017 near Moreland, ID
Hiking across Hell's Half Acre Lava Flow is a unique experience in navigating wildly undulating terrain. Don't wear your favorite boots though because the lava flow will tear them up!
Apr 6, 2017 near Moreland, ID

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Check-Ins

Aug 20, 2021
Marc Daniel
With Mila — 3h 45m
Jun 9, 2019
J M
Evening walk around the loop with the family. Lava in various formations, small flowers, sagebrush, junipers, green all around. 1.1mi — 0h 51m
Apr 27, 2019
Kristen Lloyd
hiked the loop trail and vent trail. not sure we did the whole distance o the vent trail, but my tracker said we did 4.5 miles. great hike even in… 4.5mi
Apr 1, 2019
Micah Tilley
Exploring the lava! 0.5mi
Mar 29, 2018
Christopher Rix
Beautiful spring day out on the lava! 0.9mi
Apr 2, 2017
Christopher Rix
Great hike! Nice way to get out of the mud in the spring. 1mi — 1h 00m
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