Description of The Site
The Hell's Half Acre lava plain is located in Bingham and Bonneville counties in the state of Idaho. The site is about 150 square miles (390 km2) in size. The area where a former lava lake existed is marked by a 875-yard (800 m) long by 328-yard (300 m) wide depression near the summit of the lava field. Ten circular pits and two large lava tubes are also located near the summit. Two major lava flows, each about 6.2 miles (10.0 km) long by 3.1 miles (5.0 km) wide, extend from the main lava field to the south and southwest. These two lava flows surround "Morgans Pasture," a kipuka (or older geologic feature which was not covered by lava). More recently, scientists studying aerial photographs of the site discovered a 328-yard (300 m) long eruptive fissure partly buried under lava flows just 437 yards (400 m) from the northwest boundary of the lava field. This and other features of the site indicate that the fissure vent itself may be 11.8 miles (19.0 km) long.
The site is fairly accessible. Interstate 15 just crosses the southeast corner of the lava field. Two trails have been marked by U.S. Bureau of Land Management personnel. The shorter 0.5-mile (0.80 km) long trail is marked by blue flags, and takes about 30 minutes to walk. The longer, 4.5-mile (7.2 km) long trail is marked by red flags, and takes a full day to walk. The latter trail leads to the central vent. A short trail (about 0.75 miles (1.21 km) in length) with educational signage along the way may be accessed from the north parking lot near the Hell's Half Acre rest area on I-15. A second trail (about 1 mile (1.6 km) in length) with educational signage may be accessed from the south parking lot. This longer trail has a gazebo and scenic overlook at about the midpoint. There is also a 0.25-mile (0.40 km) long handicapped-accessible paved loop with educational signage as well. All trails are closed in winter. Over 100,000 people used the trails in 2007.
The Hell's Half Acre lava plain is home to a variety of plant species. Among them are bitterbrush, bluebunch wheatgrass, death camas, evening primrose, ferns, geraniums, gray rabbitbrush, Indian paintbrush, needle-and-thread grass, penstemon, prickly pear cactus, sagebrush, Utah juniper, and wild onion. Wildlife is also abundant. Species commonly found here include bobcats, coyotes, golden eagles, mule deer, prairie falcons, pronghorn, red foxes, red-tailed hawks, and sage grouse.
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