Lava Tubes | Lava River Cave

Season: You can technically visit Lava River Cave year-round, though you may need to ski, snowbike, or hike 4.5 miles to it from Highway 180 in the winter since Forest Roads 245 and/or 171 are closed during the winter months. Temperatures inside the cave remain roughly the same in summer and winter (between 35° and 45° Fahrenheit). If you see information saying it is closed, check directly with Flagstaff Ranger District for current status information - 928-526-0866

Due to no snow, FR 245 and 171 are OPEN (updated 1/22/2025)

Who would think that amidst the beautiful Ponderosa Pine forest in Northern Arizona, we would have our very own collection of volcanic wonders? One of these wonders includes the Lava River Cave in Flagstaff, which was formed by molten rock that erupted from a volcanic vent near Hart Prairie. As the lava flowed from the vent, the outside hardened into a tube-like formation. This newly created tunnel filled with molten lava creating a fiery faucet. Once the lava stopped flowing, it cooled and left behind a 3/4 mile-long tunnel for all of those brave enough to explore it. This 700,000-year-old formation remains a cool 35°- 45° even in the summer.

VISITOR INFORMATION

WHAT TO BRING

2 sources of light. Yes, you really do want at least 2 light sources including a flashlight, headlamp, etc. This is because the rock floors tend to be a combination of slippery and dark. If you break or run out of a light source, you'll experience what pure, pitch-black, darkness looks like. This is no ordinary dark where you can slightly make out the shape of the rocks or count on your eyes to get used to the darkness. It is the kind of dark where you cannot see your hand even if it is touching your nose!
Wear sturdy, stable shoes. This includes hiking boots, running shoes, etc. Closed-toed shoes with traction is definitely the way to go. This again is due to the lack of light and the uneven floor surface of the cave.
Bring warm clothing. The cave not only has a constant average temperature of 42°, but it leaks snowmelt and moisture from rainstorms. This means the cold can also feel slightly damp depending on the time of year.
Optional - You could bring a helmet. This cave changes height frequently, and in the dark, it is difficult to make out anything outside of the focus of your flashlight.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Access: The road to the main parking lot is well-maintained. Any vehicle will have an easy time accessing the area. The approach from the parking lot to the entry of the Lava River Cave is a flat, hard-packed trail that is less than 1/4 mile long.

Phyical Abilities: Being in mostly good physical condition is appropriate. The first 300 ft of the cave is composed of loose, often times slippery boulder rocks that require some amount of scrambling. Using your hands, feet and even sitting on rocks for stability at times is likely. The Lava River Cave meets all "Confined Space Entry" criteria, so be prepared for this in the beginning of your exploration. Once you are in the cave after scrambling down into it, the angle of the ground flattens out but the terrain will continue to be uneven for the remaining distance. There will be points in the cave where the roof gets low. Shorter humans can crouch as they walk, taller humans (maybe 6'2+) might need to crawl.

WARNING If you have an ankle or foot injury, use extreme caution if you choose to go on this walk as it is an especially high risk for rolling an ankle.

Scrambling down into the lave river cave

GETTING HERE

The best season to visit the lava tubes in Flagstaff is in the summer. The cave is typically open all year round but the service roads to get to them (Forest Roads 245 and/or 171) are closed during the winter. Feel free to ski or snowshoe to the cave if you desire a winter visit. There is also camping around the area but please remember to have your campsite at least a mile away from the cave entrance. The camping etiquette around the area includes picking up all trash, not feeding the wildlife (there are cows, deer, and elk that wander the area), and most importantly no defacing the cave walls. There have been many cases of graffiti in the cave and although they have been removed since, it is obviously respectful to leave the area how it was when you first set foot in it. Camp Colton does educational school programs in the cave and the experience is a rite of passage and an awesome adventure to all Flagstaff sixth graders.

Location: 14 miles north of Flagstaff on paved highways and graveled Forest Roads and a travel time of 45 minutes. GPS Coordinates: 35°20'32.2"N 111°50'08.2"W

Directions: Drive 9 miles north of Flagstaff on US 180 and turn west (left) on FR 245 (at milepost 230). Continue 3 miles to FR171 and turn south 1 mile to where FR 171B turns left a short distance to Lava River Cave. For more information please contact Flagstaff Ranger District at 928-526-0866.

**Pets not allowed**

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Lava Tubes | Lava River Cave

VISITOR INFORMATION

WHAT TO BRING

WHAT TO EXPECT

GETTING HERE

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