"We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto!"This pocket of Eastern Idaho, which looks more like a lunar landscape, was created by lava flows from a miles-long fissure in the earth. Tales of the most recent eruptions are part of the local Native American oral history. We're talkin' maybe 2000 years ago! In geologic time, that's just a blink of an eye! The photo directly above shows "pa hoe hoe" - rope lava.
As time has progresses and weathering occurs, the flora grabs onto bits of soil created by erosion of the lava. In the Spring, delightful pops of color emerge from the rough surface- the Artist's addition of color to the giant canvas!
The lava flowed out of the cracks in the Earth and cooled at varying rates as it moved along the Earth's surface. Huge chunks of solid lava flowed atop the liquid rock rivers and were deposited along the way, creating other-worldly forms. Underground lava flows etched out subterranian caves.
The lava flowed out of the cracks in the Earth and cooled at varying rates as it moved along the Earth's surface. Huge chunks of solid lava flowed atop the liquid rock rivers and were deposited along the way, creating other-worldly forms. Underground lava flows etched out subterranian caves. 
Thick lava oozed to the surface and quickly formed organic shapes as it hit the cool atmosphere. Thinner lava, under greater pressure, was forcefully spewed skyward and formed cinder cones.
This national park is evidence that the Supreme Artist regularly dabbles in three-dimensional art forms! Earthlings, stay outta the way of these creative forces!
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