This is about as close to an oasis as you can get in the deserts of Idaho. It's an old volcano in the middle of the sagebrush desert. As soon as you start down the path, you can feel the air change and the vegetation becomes that of a mountain forest. There are a ton of pine trees on the hillsides and a beautfiul meadow at the bottom surrounded by thick aspen trees. The bottom part of the sides nearly all the way around is covered with large boulders great for a little rock hiking if you care to explore. The path in is about as easy a hike as it gets. Maybe a little steep at points but it's only about a quarter mile down in. It's pretty small and there's a pretty established place for fires with plenty of dead wood scattered around.
As per the signs on the road, the caldera is not accessible to "humans" until May 1st, just a heads up. We went on May 1st and the trail was still snow covered, so we had to hike down the lava rock hillside instead. Such a great little private meadow for camping! Flat spots for tents, as well as trees for hammocks. There is a little fire pit already set up. We loved it. I hope to go back when the wildflowers are in bloom!
This is a really interesting place! Sagebrush and a barren landscape outside, and then a short hike down and it's all wildflowers and bright green aspens! Super family-friendly, with cool lava rocks to explore, and a lot of wildlife!