Is Mount Rinjani Still Active – If you’re planning to hike the magnificent Mount Rinjani on the island of Lombok, Indonesia, one of your biggest concerns might be its volcanic status. Is it still active, and is it safe for you to summit?
As you prepare for this adventure, especially from overseas. It’s fully understandable that you’re scanning for the latest information on safety and eruption risk.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the volcano’s background. How it works, its current condition, and what it means for hikers like you.
What Type Of Volcano Is Mount Rinjani?
Understanding the nature of Mount Rinjani helps you grasp why its behavior matters and how that translates into risk (or relative safety) for climbers.
- Mount Rinjani stands at approximately 3,726 m above sea level and is located on Lombok.
- Geologically, it is classed as an active stratovolcano. And part of a somma-type structure, meaning a caldera with a newer cone inside it).
- The large caldera (named Segara Anak) was formed in the major eruption of the parent volcano Samalas around the year 1257. And then a smaller cone, Mount Barujari, has been the main site of recent activity.
- What this means for you: a stratovolcano tends to produce periodic explosive activity (rather than a simple gentle lava flow). While the Barujari cone is the most active part today, any volcanic system remains dynamic.
- Because this volcano is still considered active, monitoring and respect for trail closures or alerts are important.
In short: Mount Rinjani is not a “dormant” or “extinct” volcano, it’s active, though it may not be imminently erupting. That sets the context for our next question: how active right now is it, and what’s the real risk?
Is Mount Rinjani Still Active?
Mount Rinjani is still officially classified as an active volcano. According to the Global Volcanism Program (volcano.si.edu), the most recent confirmed eruption occurred in 2016, originating from the Barujari cone inside Rinjani’s caldera. Although the eruption was relatively small, it was strong enough to prove that the volcano’s magma system remains alive beneath the surface.
From late 2015 through 2016, Rinjani released volcanic ash and lava flows that streamed into Segara Anak Lake. Prompting authorities to raise alert levels and temporarily close hiking trails. Since then, no large-scale eruptions have been recorded, yet minor volcanic activity continues to be detected from time to time.
Even if it is not always visible to the public, fumaroles, small vents releasing steam and sulfur gas, are still active around the crater lake. These emissions are signs of ongoing hydrothermal and magmatic activity beneath the ground. In other words, Rinjani is not dormant; it is in a stable but active phase.
This subtle activity is one reason why the Rinjani National Park authorities maintain close supervision of the area. In 2025, several hiking routes were temporarily closed. Not only due to weather conditions or safety incidents, but also as a precautionary measure. These closures highlight how the mountain is actively managed and monitored to ensure that every visitor remains safe during their trip.
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Read Also: How Tall Is Mount Rinjani? Before and After Eruption Comparison
Likelihood of Future Eruption
Mount Rinjani still active. So, could Mount Rinjani erupt again? The answer is yes, absolutely possible. As an active volcano, Rinjani still holds the potential for future eruptions. However, “possible” does not necessarily mean “imminent.” Volcanic systems operate on irregular cycles. And long quiet periods do not always indicate that a volcano has become completely safe.
Indonesia’s official geological agency, the Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG), continues to classify Rinjani as an active volcano under constant monitoring. Seismic instruments and gas sensors positioned around the caldera regularly record tremors and fluctuations in volcanic gas emissions.
These indicators often reflect magma movement or hydrothermal pressure changes beneath the volcano. Even though the public alert level currently remains low, scientists emphasize that the situation could shift at any time depending on internal geological conditions.
Trail and park management policies also reflect this reality. Whenever volcanic tremors or abnormal gas emissions are detected, park authorities temporarily close certain trails to minimize risk. This proactive management is part of Indonesia’s broader disaster mitigation strategy. Eensuring that climbers can explore the mountain only under safe conditions.
What does this mean for you as a hiker? In summary, you should assume there is a non-zero risk. The volcano is labelled active. So although major eruption probability might be low at a given moment, the environment remains dynamic.
Stay updated. Check for the latest park alerts, route closures, and advisories from the national park authority. Reach out to a reputable guide like hikingmountrinjani.com for the latest updates on Rinjani’s condition and safe hiking practices.
The Current Condition of Mount Rinjani and Its Safety Status for Hiking
So, you’ve made it this far, what’s the actual condition today, and is it safe (or safer) to climb?
As of 2025, Mount Rinjani National Park remains one of Indonesia’s most closely monitored climbing destinations. The park operates under a structured seasonal system, which means it isn’t open to trekkers all year round.
Typically, the mountain is closed from early January until early April to allow for ecosystem recovery. And to minimize accidents during the rainy season, when landslides and slippery trails become major hazards. This annual closure was also in effect from January 1 to April 2, 2025. Before reopening to climbers in early April with standard safety protocols reinstated.
Temporary closures have also occurred due to accidents and safety incidents. In June 2025, for instance, the summit trail was shut down following the tragic fall of a foreign hiker, as recovery operations and safety evaluations took place. These incidents serve as reminders that climbing Rinjani carries risks beyond volcanic activity.
The mountain’s steep terrain, loose volcanic rocks, sudden weather shifts, and high elevation all demand caution and physical readiness. Most reported injuries or fatalities over the past few years were related to these terrain challenges, rather than eruptions themselves.
From a volcanic perspective, Rinjani’s active status remains unchanged. While the volcano has shown no major eruptions since 2016, fumaroles and faint sulfur emissions can still be observed in certain areas near the crater.
Climbers are advised to stay alert, especially when approaching zones where volcanic gas concentrations might fluctuate depending on weather conditions. Fortunately, the PVMBG (Indonesian Geological Agency) continuously monitors Rinjani’s activity, and any changes in seismic or gas levels are promptly reported to park authorities.
In conclusion, Yes, You Can Hike Safely
To ensure visitor safety, the park enforces a strict management system. Trekkers must use official routes, register in advance, and hire licensed guides or porters who are trained to respond to emergencies and understand the volcano’s terrain. Each operator follows standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for 2025, including real-time communication with the park office to report any irregularities on the trail. This collaboration between park management and trekking agencies has been essential in maintaining safety and minimizing risk for both local and international visitors.
Of course, no system can eliminate all danger entirely. Rinjani’s breathtaking landscapes come with real physical and environmental challenges. Your personal preparation plays an equally important role in staying safe — maintaining physical fitness, bringing the right gear, securing travel insurance, and respecting local weather conditions all matter as much as monitoring volcanic activity.
In conclusion, yes, you can hike Mount Rinjani safely. Thousands of climbers do so each year without incident. However, “safe” does not mean “risk-free.” As long as the volcano remains active, caution and awareness must go hand in hand with adventure. Stay informed about park announcements, follow your guide’s instructions, and never ignore trail closures or warning signs.
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Read Also: Is Mount Rinjani Open? Check the Annual Closure Schedule
Want to Hike Mount Rinjani Safely and Easily? Here’s How!
If you want to experience Mount Rinjani safely and with less hassle, the best way to do it is by booking a guided trekking package with a reputable company such as Hiking Mount Rinjani. Trekking with a professional team doesn’t just make things easier. It ensures that every part of your journey, from preparation to descent, runs smoothly and safely.
Unlike climbing independently or with an unorganized group, joining an official trekking company provides you with trained guides and porters who know the terrain, monitor volcanic updates, and prioritize your well-being throughout the hike. They make sure no one is left behind, that every member stays hydrated and supported, and that the route is adjusted based on each person’s physical ability and current trail conditions.
With Hiking Mount Rinjani, everything is already arranged. Meals, tents, permits, accommodation, and logistics are all included in the package. This all-in-one approach allows you to focus on enjoying the breathtaking scenery instead of worrying about the technical details.
Of course, teamwork is key on any mountain. Even the most skilled guides can only do so much if hikers within the group refuse to cooperate or act recklessly. A successful climb happens when everyone supports each other, respects the guide’s instructions, and understands that the mountain demands humility, not ego.
So, if you’re planning to conquer Rinjani soon, reach out to a trusted local operator like hikingmountrinjani.com. They’ll keep you informed about the latest safety conditions, handle the logistics. And make sure your adventure remains both memorable and secure, just the way climbing an active volcano should be.
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