A 65-year-old Pocatello man died Saturday morning after losing control of his motorcycle on U.S. Highway 93 near Craters of the Moon National Monument, according to Idaho State Police.
The crash happened at approximately 11:58 a.m. south of Arco in Butte County. The rider was traveling southbound on Highway 93 when he lost control of his 2022 Harley-Davidson, left the roadway, and came to rest in the lava rock terrain alongside the highway.
Despite wearing a helmet, the rider was pronounced dead at the scene. Idaho State Police investigated the crash. The man’s name had not been released as of the time of the report.
A Stretch of Highway Known for Scenic but Unforgiving Terrain
The area surrounding Craters of the Moon is a popular destination for motorcycle riders drawn to the open roads and volcanic landscape of central Idaho. U.S. Highway 93 runs through some of the most remote terrain in the state, with lava fields, minimal guardrails, and limited emergency response access presenting serious hazards when accidents occur.
The jagged lava rock that defines the landscape around Craters of the Moon National Monument leaves little margin for riders who leave the roadway. Even low-speed departures from the highway in that area can be fatal due to the uneven and sharp nature of the surrounding terrain.
Motorcycle Fatalities Remain a Concern on Idaho Roads
Motorcycle fatalities continue to be a persistent concern on Idaho’s rural highway network, particularly during the summer riding season when traffic volumes increase and long stretches of open highway invite higher speeds. Riders traveling through Butte County and surrounding areas of central Idaho often face limited services and long response times from emergency personnel.
Idaho State Police routinely reminds motorcyclists of the elevated risks on rural two-lane highways, where road conditions, crosswinds, and wildlife can contribute to sudden loss of vehicle control. Wearing a helmet, as this rider did, is among the most basic protections available — though it is not always sufficient when the force and nature of a crash are severe.
The investigation into the exact cause of this crash remains ongoing. Idaho State Police have not released additional details regarding contributing factors such as speed, road conditions, or mechanical failure.
What Comes Next
Idaho State Police are expected to complete their investigation and may release the rider’s identity once next of kin have been notified. No other vehicles were reported to be involved in the crash. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers facing motorcyclists on Idaho’s remote highway corridors as the summer travel season ramps up across the region.
Bannock County road crews have already begun summer maintenance operations across the local highway network, with ongoing work aimed at improving surface conditions on rural routes throughout the area. For more on regional road conditions and infrastructure work, see the latest summer road maintenance updates from Bannock County.