Location: Southern ID
Strenuous. ~5 miles daily on rugged, volcanic terrain, in a hot environment
Front country: tent/car camping in a designated campground
This project would continue the systematic approach to gridding pre-determined areas to find & document potential caves for further exploration and study.
Service Project Details
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Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve (CRMO) is home to thousands of caves, many of which may contain significant yet undocumented resources, including water sources, cultural materials, unique geological features, endemic invertebrates, and critical bat habitat such as hibernation sites, maternity colonies, and day roosts. To date, only a small portion of the preserve has been systematically surveyed for caves, and nearly all of the 669 currently known caves were discovered incidentally.
This project will build on successful efforts launched in 2025, when Wilderness Volunteers systematically surveyed twenty-six 10-acre grid cells and documented 98 previously unknown caves. No technical caving is required; volunteers will only enter the light zone of cave openings to collect basic information. Data will be recorded using iPads and Survey123, and all necessary cave gear will be provided for participants who choose to enter caves. Newly documented caves will be prioritized for future exploration by biologists, cave cartographers, and potentially cultural resource specialists. Following the highly successful 2025 effort, CRMO looks forward to continuing this valuable partnership with Wilderness Volunteers as additional survey areas are added.
While we’re hoping for better weather conditions, volunteers for this project need to be prepared for a hot environment (up to 90’s) with minimal overhead coverage.
Project Leaders: Carrie Hoffman and Bill Goolsby
Agency Website
Itinerary:
Sunday, June 21st. The Volunteer group meets at midday at a time/place TBD. The group will go through check-in, introductions, orientation, and will help set up camp in preparation for the work week ahead.
Monday, June 22nd. Workday.
Tuesday, June 23rd. Workday.
Wednesday, June 24th. Day off.
Thursday, June 25th. Workday.
Friday, June 26th. Workday.
Saturday, June 27th. Break down camp, good-byes, depart.
Nearest Cities
Carey, ID
Arco, ID
Nearest Airports
Magic Valley Regional Airport (TWF) – ~96 miles
Boise International Airport (BOI) – ~167 miles
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) – ~195 miles
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – ~287 miles
Free Time Details
Viewing wildlife, exploring, hiking, photography, relaxing, etc.
Accommodations
Front country: tent camping in a designated campground
Difficulty
Strenuous. ~5 miles daily on rugged, volcanic terrain, in a hot environment
Task Details
Hiking, walking, uneven terrain, volcanic terrain, bending, crouching, kneeling, etc.
Equipment List
View Equipment List