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Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho
At one end of the trail, you come to Indian Tunnel. Once down inside, its
a cool respite from the hot, blackened surface (hot because it absorbs and
reradiates the desert sun). It feels like it is air conditioned.
These lava tubes are formed by a river of lava that cools on the top, forming a
crust, then eventually empties inside, leaving a tunnel. Eventually it
will collapse, but this one is relatively safe and they are fun to explore.
©2003, Jeffrey L. Cooper
