Visit the Spatter Cones

The Spatter Cones are one of the shortest stops along the Loop Road.

NPS Photo / Jacob W Frank

Trail length: 0.1 mile (0.16 km) round-trip

For those short on time, the Spatter Cones provide an intimate look into some of the park's smallest volcanoes. From the parking area, two short trails can be accessed to view these formations; Spatter Cone and Snow Cone. Only the trail to Snow Cone is wheelchair accessible.

For your safety and to protect fragile lava formations, off-trail travel is not permitted at the Spatter Cones or Big Craters areas.

Details

Duration

10-15 Minutes

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are not allowed on any trails or in caves. Lava rocks are rough and jagged. The surface of the dark rocks and asphalt can reach 150°F (65°C) or more in the summer and quickly burns paws. Pets should never be left unattended in vehicles or the campground. Parking areas do not have shade and air temperatures can exceed 90°F (32°C) in the middle of summer.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Spatter Cones Parking Area

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Accessibility Information

Only Snow Cone Trail is fully accessible.

The trail to the larger Spatter Cone is a 0.1 mile (0.16 km) round-trip walk and not wheelchair accessible. The trail is paved but uneven, narrow, and features short, steep inclines, steep drop-offs, no railing, and sharp rocks that may present a tripping hazard. Water or ice may present an additional slipping hazard.

SNOW CONE TRAIL INFORMATION:

TRAIL LENGTH: 0.1 mile (0.16 km) round-trip
CUMULATIVE ELEVATION CHANGE: Negligible

TYPICAL GRADE: 6.9° (4%)
13% of trail has a grade above 8%
Standard wheelchair ramp is 8%

TYPICAL CROSS SLOPE: 1° (2.1%)

TYPICAL TREAD WIDTH: 74 in (188 cm)
MINIMUM TREAD WIDTH: 71 in (180 cm)

TRAIL SURFACE: Concrete
100% of trail is paved
OBSTRUCTIONS: None