Ep 9. Craters of the Moon

In season 2 episode 9 of Rock The Park, titled "Craters of the Moon," hosts Jack and Colton journey to one of the most unique landscapes in the United States: Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in Idaho. This volcanic wonderland boasts over 500 square miles of lava flows, cinder cones, and other volcanic features, and the hosts are excited to explore all it has to offer.

The episode begins with Jack and Colton hiking through the jagged, rocky terrain of the monument's Inferno Cone. This steep, mile-long trail takes them to the top of a cinder cone, where they are rewarded with stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. They explain that cinder cones are formed when magma shoots out of a vent and falls back to earth, building up layers of loose rock.

Next, the hosts take a detour from the trail to explore a cave formed by a lava tube. These tubes are created when the outer edges of a lava flow harden and cool, while the molten center continues to flow outward. When the eruption ends, the lava cools and hardens, leaving behind a hollow tube. Jack and Colton don helmets and headlamps to venture deep into the dark, eerie tunnels, which are lined with strange, alien-looking formations of hardened lava.

After emerging from the lava tube, the hosts head to another unique feature of Craters of the Moon: the spatter cones. These are formed when lava shoots up through a vent and is thrown into the air, creating a pile of lava droplets that harden and cool. According to Jack and Colton, some of these cones are over 100 feet tall. They climb to the top of one of them and marvel at the otherworldly landscape surrounding them.

The hosts then hike to the Tree Molds trail, where they encounter more evidence of the monument's violent volcanic past. The trail passes through a field of hardened lava, and the trees here are not living, but instead are casts of trees that were incinerated by flowing lava. Jack and Colton explain that when lava flows over a forest, it can create steam and gas that rot, shrink, and burn the trees, leaving behind a mold. These molds are then filled in with lava, which hardens and preserves the shape of the tree.

After exploring the Tree Molds, the hosts hike to an overlook that offers a sweeping view of the monument. They point out landmarks such as Big Cinder Butte, which is over 600 feet high and formed from ash and volcanic debris. They also marvel at the stark beauty of the landscape, with its black rocks and red soil.

The episode ends with a final hike up to the top of Craters of the Moon's tallest cinder cone, where Jack and Colton pause to reflect on the beauty and power of nature. They note that while volcanic eruptions can be devastating, they can also create incredible landscapes that inspire awe and wonder. They encourage viewers to visit Craters of the Moon and experience the magic for themselves.