Pioneer Mountains – Craters of the Moon

The Pioneer Mountains – Craters of the Moon landscape of about 9,600 km2 in south-central Idaho includes portions of three ecoregions, providing an environment diverse in plant communities, wildlife habitat, land uses, and elevation. Ownership is largely federal public lands along with some state and private lands. The Craters of the Moon National Monument, in the southern portion of the landscape, consists of large areas of high desert and some grasslands habitat. To the north, sagebrush communities dominate the lower elevations but the Pioneer Mountains also support stands of spruce-fir, mixed conifer, and aspen forests. The landscape supports iconic wildlife including migratory species (Pronghorn, Sage Grouse, Elk), wide-ranging carnivores (Wolves, Mountain Lions, Wolverine), habitat specialists (Pika, Sage Sparrow), and the endemic Wood River Sculpin. Working farms and ranches are an integral part of the Pioneers-Craters landscape.

Partners:  Pioneers Alliance