⛰️ Finding the Dragon's Skin: My Adventure Inside an Idaho Volcano

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An extreme close-up of a lava rock that looks like Dragon Scales, known as the Dragon's Skin at Craters of the Moon

This isn't a fossil. It's the "skin" of a dragon, found in a vast lava field in Idaho.

What if a legend was so powerful it left behind its own proof? You come to this place expecting a wasteland of black rock. But if you look closely, you find something else entirely. You find the skin of the dragon. This was the question that echoed in my mind as I stepped out onto the vast, alien landscape of Craters of the Moon in Idaho. The Shoshone people spoke of a great serpent whose battle with lightning shaped this land, but it's not just a story. It's a guide.

I’m so thrilled to share my new flagship video, "Craters of the Moon: The Dragon in the Stone." This project is more than just a video; it was a true adventure, filled with incredible discoveries and a story that felt like it was being whispered directly from the land itself.

Craters of the Moon Idaho - Main Loop Trail

In This Adventure Guide:

🌟 The Golden Nugget: The Dragon's Breath is REAL.

Don't Miss This: My #1 tip for Craters of the Moon isn't about water or shoes—it's about the wind. From the moment you step onto the lava, a relentless, roaring wind is your constant companion. It’s so powerful it feels personal, like a living presence. We came to call it the "Dragon's Breath," as if the sleeping giant was trying to warn us away from its secrets.

My "Behind-the-Scenes" Story: This "dragon's breath" became a huge challenge. In a chaotic moment helping a stranded traveler, I lost my high-end surround-sound microphone to the park. All my pristine audio was gone. It was devastating! But in the edit, I realized the wind I *did* have wasn't a flaw. It was the story. This isn't a bug; it's a feature! We wove the "dragon's breath" into the entire narrative, and it made the adventure feel even more real.

🗺️ The Adventure Map

Big Cinder Cone Trail - Craters of the Moon Idaho

Inside of a Volcano - Craters of the Moon Idaho

So would you like to chase the Dragon here at Craters of the Moon? I've compiled all my favorite spots, trailheads, and photo ops into this custom Google Map to help you plan your trip! I recommend downloading the map of this area, as service is spotty.

Click Here to Open the Interactive Map

TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO CRATERS OF THE MOON

I've created two versions of this story: a cinematic film (premiering tomorrow!) and a fully immersive 360° experience (coming Nov 11th). Grab your headset for the 360 video if you have one—it's the best way to feel the dragon's breath!

Cinematic Journey:

Immersive VR 360° Journey (Coming Nov 11th):

"The most beautiful things don't grow in spite of the broken places. They grow *because* of them."

🗺️ Adventure at a Glance

🏞️ Location/Park: Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Idaho, USA
🥾 Hike/Activity: Exploring lava fields, cinder cones, and lava tubes.
📏 Distance: Varies (e.g., Inferno Cone is ~0.4 mi, Indian Tunnel is ~1.6 mi)
📈 Elevation Gain: Varies (e.g., Inferno Cone is ~160 ft)
⏳ Recommended Time: 1-2 Days to see the main sights.
🧭 Can't-Miss Sights: The "Dragon's Skin" (Blue Dragon Flow), Indian Tunnel, Inferno Cone Summit, and the "Breadcrust Bombs."

Adventure Rating:

Wow Factor: 💎💎💎💎💎 (Truly alien and otherworldly)
Difficulty: ⛰️⛰️⚪️⚪️⚪️ (Easy, with some light scrambling)
Crowds: 🚶🚶⚪️⚪️⚪️ (Quiet, especially in the tunnels)

🥾 My Craters of the Moon Story

I didn't know if I would enjoy Craters of the Moon—how exciting can 600 square miles of just lava be? I soon learned it can be very cool. The legend of the serpent is a perfect guide to this landscape. We were determined to follow the trail of the dragon, and in its story, uncover the violent, fiery birth of this amazing place.

Amazing Dragon shaped Lava Rock that is growing colorful Lichen scales

This dragon-shaped lava rock, now a canvas for colorful lichen, is a perfect symbol of the park.

The Dragon's Back (The Surface)

Our journey started by climbing onto what felt like the dragon's very back: the summit of Inferno Cone. Up here, the "Dragon's Breath" wind was a physical force, a constant roar. The entire landscape is a monument to the serpent's furious struggle. We found "Breadcrust Bombs" (rocks that shattered as they flew through the air) and formations that looked exactly like the "throat of a sleeping lava monster." The Tree Molds trail, which started out seeming unexciting, turned into a treasure hunt for the famous "Dragon Skin" lava.

The bark of a tree in the Tree Molds that also looks like Dragon Scales

The Tree Molds trail features ghostly, hollowed-out imprints of ancient trees.

The Dragon's Veins (The Descent)

The greatest secrets, however, are hidden from sight. We descended into the Indian Tunnel, and the world changed. The dragon's roar was silenced, replaced by an ancient, quiet stillness. It truly felt like walking through the hollowed-out veins of the beast. We saw scars where the roof had collapsed, and I was reminded that sometimes, it's the broken places that let the light in. The path forward wasn't a grand doorway, but a scramble over rubble toward a tiny glimmer of hope—a squeeze back to the sun. It's a truly cool cave exit, with a natural arch right at the end.

Looking into Indian Tunnel

Inside Indian Tunnel Craters of the Moon - Idaho

Inside Indian Tunnel - The Dragons Veins

💡 Your Trail Guide: Helpful Hints

♦️ Best Time to Go: Early morning or late afternoon in the summer. The black lava rock gets incredibly hot, and the midday sun is intense.
♦️ Parking: The park is very accessible. The scenic Loop Road takes you to all the main trailheads, which have good parking.
♦️ Cave Permits: You must get a free (but mandatory) cave permit from the Visitor Center before entering any lava tubes (like Indian Tunnel). This is a quick and easy process to help prevent the spread of White-Nose Syndrome, which is fatal to bats.

Back of the Tunnel at Indian Tunnel

The above picture is the back of the tunnel unless you are very hard core. There is a hidden little spot back there to keep going, but it is more like spulunking at that point and time for it is very small.

🎒 What's in My Pack?

For this specific adventure, these are the 3 items I wouldn't leave home without!

Headlamps: You will absolutely need them (not just a phone light!) to explore the Indian Tunnel and other lava tubes properly.
Sturdy Shoes: The lava rock is sharp, uneven, and unforgiving. Close-toed hiking shoes or boots are a must.
Water, Water, and More Water: There is almost no shade on the trails, and the black rock radiates heat. Carry more water than you think you will need.

🔎 VR Video Treasure Hunt!

When you watch the immersive 360° video (coming Nov 11th!), see if you can find these special moments I captured!

The Dragon's Eye: A shot that looks like you are staring into the "throat of a lava monster."
The Dragon's Ghost: The ghostly, hollowed-out imprint of an ancient tree.
The Dragon's Heart: The broken, heart-shaped rock that holds the film's message.
The Dragon's Egg: The final, mysterious secret the land shared with us!

⭐ Final Thoughts

For all the epic legends, the real magic was found in the small, quiet moments. After miles of stark, powerful rock, I found that small, broken heart. It proved the land's deepest secret: the most beautiful things don't grow in spite of the broken places. They grow *because* of them. Our own scars are not just damage; they are where resilience takes root.

As our journey ended, the land gave us one final secret... a promise. A dragon's egg. A choice. It asks us to believe that the future isn't written in stone. That a seed of hope, if we choose to see it that way, can be powerful enough to heal the world. I choose to believe in that beautiful future... and I hope you'll choose to believe in it, too.

What's a place you've visited that completely surprised you and challenged your expectations? I'd love to hear your story in the comments below! Happy Hiking!

Sending Love and Positive Vibes,

Shauna from VRGetaway

🗺️ Continue Your Adventure!

If you loved this journey into the volcanic heart of Idaho, here are a few other epic adventures from the Rocky Mountains you won't want to miss:

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⛰️ Finding the Dragon's Skin: My Adventure Inside an Idaho Volcano