Lava River Cave
A lava tube cave formed about 700,000 years ago, roughly 1.2 km long, with a cold, pitch-dark interior all year round.
Lava River Cave lies in Coconino National Forest, about 22 km northwest of downtown. It is a lava tube formed around 700,000 years ago, when the surface of a lava flow cooled and the molten lava inside drained away, leaving a tunnel. The cave is about 1.2 km long. Inside, the temperature stays around 0 to 5°C all year, and ice can even form in summer. There is no lighting or facilities inside, and the floor is gravel, so bring two or three light sources, a helmet, and warm clothing. Admission is free. The last section is a gravel forest road, which is closed in winter.
Opening hours
Open all day (roads closed in winter)
Nearby sights
- Arizona Snowbowl
- Humphreys Peak
- Red Mountain
- Museum of Northern Arizona
- The Arboretum at Flagstaff
- Pioneer Museum
- Lockett Meadow
- Lowell Observatory