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
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.
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.
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**Discounts Available | Family-Friendly | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity | Pet-Friendly | ADA Accessible | Self Guided
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course is an elevated obstacle course set in the tall Ponderosa Pines. It is securely suspended between the trees at 15 to 60 feet off the ground. At Flagstaff Extreme, we believe the best family memories are usually ones that take place outdoors, so bring th … More
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course is an elevated obstacle course set in the tall Ponderosa Pines. It is securely suspended between the trees at 15 to 60 feet off the ground. At Flagstaff Extreme, we believe the best family memories are usually ones that take place outdoors, so bring the entire family! There are 5 adult courses and 1 junior course with obstacles ranging from tarzan ropes, to wobbly bridges, swinging logs, cargo nets, ziplines, and even an aerial surf board!
Come Play in the Trees and explore the outdoors like you never have before!
To see our availability or book a reservation, check out www.flagstaffextreme.com or give us a call at 888-259-0125!
(See our website for age and height restrictions)
Family-Friendly
Environmentally-Friendly | Family-Friendly | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity | Pet-Friendly | Fireplace(s) | BBQ or Grill
Family-Friendly | Free Parking | Self Guided | Upgrades available | Pet-Friendly | Discounts Available | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity
Professionally Guided | Lunch | Hotel Pick-ups | Shuttle Transportation
Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five millions people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our profess … More
Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five millions people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our professional guides will make sure you get the most out of your trip. While touring in comfort you will learn about the geology and history of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The day tour includes short walks to some incredible "less-used" outlooks, a looking into some of the areas most impressive historic buildings, and time to browse resident art galleries and gift shops.
Family-Friendly | Trip starts in Flagstaff | Professionally Guided | Custom Options Available | Hotel Pick-ups | Lunch
Family-Friendly | Custom Options Available | Professionally Guided | Multi-Attraction Trips | Antelope Canyon
Spend a day visiting two of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend! Leaving from Flagstaff, our Lower Antelope Canyon Tours take you into the heart of one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the world. Afterwards, we visit the famous … More
Spend a day visiting two of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend! Leaving from Flagstaff, our Lower Antelope Canyon Tours take you into the heart of one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the world. Afterwards, we visit the famous Horseshoe Bend, where you can peer off the edge at the mighty Colorado River!
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Shuttle Transportation | Food/Beverage Included | Discounts Available
Central Departure Location | Custom Options Available | Discounts Available | Family-Friendly | Free Parking | Packages Available | Reservations Required | Upgrades available
Family-Friendly | Educational
Family-Friendly | Packages Available | Groups/Meetings | Team Building | Serves Food | Free Parking | Serves Beer and Wine
Family-Friendly | Self Guided | Professionally Guided | Groups/Meetings
Family-Friendly | Educational
Family-Friendly | Educational
Pet-Friendly
Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity | Pet-Friendly | Family-Friendly | Educational
Explore the streets of downtown Flagstaff—on foot, by bike, or via Segway—during this family-friendly sightseeing excursion, a great choice for first-time visitors. Hear stories of spooky ghost sightings and Wild West history, and learn fun facts about the city. A headset is provided so … More
Explore the streets of downtown Flagstaff—on foot, by bike, or via Segway—during this family-friendly sightseeing excursion, a great choice for first-time visitors. Hear stories of spooky ghost sightings and Wild West history, and learn fun facts about the city. A headset is provided so you don’t miss a word your guide says. Plus, choose from multiple times to easily fit this tour into your schedule.
Family-Friendly | Downtown
Family-Friendly | Lunch
Family-Friendly | Educational
Family-Friendly | Educational
Flagstaff is best known as the gateway to the San Francisco Peaks mountain range and the Grand Canyon, but it’s worth spending some time exploring the historic town too. On this tour, discover Flagstaff’s small-town charms on a guided tour and choose from a variety of options. Join a wa … More
Flagstaff is best known as the gateway to the San Francisco Peaks mountain range and the Grand Canyon, but it’s worth spending some time exploring the historic town too. On this tour, discover Flagstaff’s small-town charms on a guided tour and choose from a variety of options. Join a walking tour and enjoy extra time to browse the shops and take photos; explore further on a leisurely bike tour; or zip between the sights on a Segway.
Downtown | Family-Friendly
Once a part of the Wild Wild West, Flagstaff has a rich history of railroad expansion which brought about a number of colorful characters to the region. Discover the history of this desert city on a guided tour of downtown and learn about the city’s rapid growth during the 1800s. Listen … More
Once a part of the Wild Wild West, Flagstaff has a rich history of railroad expansion which brought about a number of colorful characters to the region. Discover the history of this desert city on a guided tour of downtown and learn about the city’s rapid growth during the 1800s. Listen to ghostly tales of past residents as you follow your guide to several haunted locations.
Family-Friendly | Downtown