This cave is located in Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Since it is super popular, you have to make reservations on their website so that it's not overcrowded and to limit the disturbances to the cave. It gets pretty busy so make sure to set an alarm when the tickets get released. It's a 2.2 mile out and back cave, although if you're too tired or scared you can always turn around and head back. The deeper in the cave I went, the fewer the visitors. The process is pretty straight forward. Once you get checked in at the parking lot entrance, park and walk to the orientation tent where they ask if any of the clothing you are currently wearing has been to another cave (to avoid the spread of white nose syndrome in bats) and also some basic orienteering. They also have flashlights for rental if you forgot. These are really powerful flashlights so I highly recommend it since your cellphone light isn't going to cut it. It gets pretty chilly in there so bring jackets even if it's hot on the surface. The cave flooring is pretty even although there are some dips you might trip on if you're not prepared. No scrambling or anything strenuous. Very fun! read more

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I was taken along on this trek last minute, thinking it would be a simple hike down to just chill inside the cave. I was wearing jeans and regular street sneakers. I also had no flashlight or headlamp of my own - I was reliant on two friends with flashlights. I totally acknowledge that I was completely unprepared, so take this review with a grain of salt and use your own judgment. HAVING SAID THAT...even if I knew what I was getting myself into, I still would have hated it and probably never gone. I am a "dirt trail with pretty views" kind of person so this was a nightmare for me. We climbed down the rocky cave entrance for about 5-10 minutes before fully leaving the light. I had to constantly watch where I was stepping so as to not step on a loose rock, fall and break my ankle. And it's really fun trying to "watch where you step" IN THE DARK. At the point where the decline ends and the entrance light is fully gone, I could have stopped, enjoyed the novelty of being in darkness and 50 degree moist air, and headed back. My friends convinced me that it "gets flat" soon...it does not get flat. I eventually had to head back because I was starting to panic. Later, I realized we didn't even make it a quarter of the way so I'm really glad I went back. This is NOT a beginner excursion. I was shocked to see children and elderly people coming down the cave entrance as I was leaving. I would NOT recommend this unless you are physically fit, healthy, and brave. read more

Lava River Cave - Cave entrance - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

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pretty cave, it was pretty wide compared to a couple other caves I've been to, BUT i wouldn't say it's as easy as I was led to believe (according to ai research). It said there might be like a 30-60sec scramble as you descend into it, then mostly flat. NO, it was more like I estimate, like 1-3min (depending on pace) to get to the bottom of steep scramble area, and then like 4-5min more of flat but more slippery rock, that you had to be careful of. As some say, do be watchful that the rocks aren't wet, as it makes it much slipperier After, it was a bunch of uneven ground, rocks, but by far, not as slippery as the entrance. I went with a group of 4 total, 3 guys 1 girl, had my phone, 2x head lamps, and a super powered flashlight. Everyone else had their phones. Head lamp recommended, so that you can use your hands if needed. Me and another gal slipped 2-5 of times. The other 2 guys did a great job going through it, and fast. A lot can depend on how you handle/walk on uneven ground, you want knees bent, and foot to be a bit loose/flexible, to adjust to the floor, rather than be stiff the gal had to take a break near the end of it, which is fair, safety first, do what you need to do. We had thought about inviting 2 other girls in, one who mentioned some concerns of claustrophobia or worry of the dark, another who is more unstable in walking atm. After experiencing it, I was glad they didn't come, I feel like the steepness and needing to step/balance carefully, would have been unsafe for them. so, here's my review for others. I wouldn't recommend it to ppl if they are unstable with walking / footing. The cave itself is interesting, being underground, cooler, going in it felt like ac/cool air coming out of the mouth of the cave. Coming out, the outside air felt humid muggy. the drive there is a little annoying, you go off on dirt road, and have to go pretty slow, bumpy, for what feels like 2-3miles of sloooow driving. Would help if the road was paved. They do have bathrooms (nice!), but also an electronic ticket dispenser (boo). Like $5, hopefully they use that to build the road safety first! step carefully. While it's only 0.75 miles or whatnot, took longer than I expected. I think I was thinking 1.5hr, but it was more like 2hr to get to end, and back In the cave, there's a fork, left side easier, right side you just have to duck a little bit. It does loop around quickly/soon after (like, 1-2min of distance), though the tighter, right side does take a bit longer to get through. Our group split off, but the left group didn't realize it looped back quickly, so they powered ahead past to other groups to try to find us, but we didn't end up meeting again till like the very end. I'd say the fork is probably....30-40% of the way to the end? The rest is mostly more of the same, and just the similar uneven ground to walk through. The cave itself was more gray rock, mostly, occasional like brown. I wonder why it's called Lave River Cave? bc if it was, I'd expect more like black charred kind of look (like Hawaii). Here, it looked more like just rock smoothed out by water read more

Great family activity and lots to see. Make sure you bring reliable flashlights and watch for low ceilings.

This is the largest lava tube in Arizona and although a bit remote, very popular! I came here on a Saturday and there were many, many cars in the parking lot. It's a big lot, so there was still plenty of spaces, but I was concerned my cave experience would be full of noisy people. The entrance is a bit narrow and difficult to get down, but that is the hardest part. It runs for 3/4 of a mile underground and is a pretty unique experience to have. There were many times where I could just stop walking and turn off my light and not see anybody ahead or behind me, kind of felt like you were just floating in space! Cool natural feature not to miss if you're in the area! read more

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What a neat spot to visit if you are looking for a fun outdoor adventure! It was a big plus that there is a small dirt parking lot along with an actual bathroom at the trail head since there is no entrance fee I figured there wouldn't be a bathroom. This is a small cave tucked away in the woods, you'll travel down a long bumpy dirt road and your cell reception might not be the greatest. I would keep that in mind if you do not think you'll be able to climb down slippery rocks and back up again as it will take a while for rescuers to arrive if you get hurt. It was pretty neat seeing how much ice could be found just inside the entrance to the cave, I knew we would see some but I didn't expect as much as we seen. The climb down into the entrance is a little steep, and it can be wet/very slippery so wear shoes with good grip. Once you get past the initial decent the hike inside isn't too bad! There are some tighter spots, some areas where you'll need to duck down low and it is super dark so bring plenty of light sources. There were quite a few people here when we went so you won't be alone in the cave, but everyone was nice and helped make sure everyone could get past one another without any issues. There were quite a few people who visited & started to explore the cave, but realized they couldn't do it and left. Our group had three people stay behind while three explored the cave, if you end up being someone who decides not to go down there are a lot of little hiking trails around the cave. This hike can be difficult for many especially if you aren't used to hiking on uneven ground, climbing or have bad balance. read more

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This hike was hard but a great experience! You don't have to be young or super fit to finish the trail. But you DO need proper shoes & a good flashlight. I highly recommend shoes with excellent tread, a hoodie, and a bright headlamp. Gloves are nice but not vital. It's a bit of a scrabble over big rocks getting in and out but it levels off for most of the cave. I'd 10/10 recommend it for the experience. read more

So much fun! Depending on the time of season you go there may be snow on the ground. We had snow on the ground and needed four wheel drive at one point but if you go summer time it is dirt roads and all fire roads/flat where 4x4 is not required. We did feel like we were in the middle of no where but had actually quiet a few people hanging out in the parking area. When we went down in the cave we didn't see or hear anyone. Was an odd feeling. Make sure you have flash lights and good shoes. The road going down can be slippery is wet or covered in snow like when we went read more

Make sure you have enough battery life for your lights. It's a level of darkness that's unimaginable. Definitely a must see if anywhere in the area. read more

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Fantastic spelunking opportunity. Never seen anything like it. Bring at least 3 sources of light with you (don't rely on your smartphone flashlight). Located deep in the woods on the outskirts of Flagstaff, AZ. The road leading to the parking lot is not completely paved. Bring extra water and snacks. A must-visit if you have adventurous spirit. There was no one there when I visited. Alone in the dark. Happy Halloween! read more

Lava River Cave - The entrance to the Lava River Cave is surrounded by a forest. Photo taken at night. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

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This hike was too difficult, and I wouldn't recommend it unless you're in great shape. The views weren't particularly impressive, and the trail itself was a real battle. Bring a flashlight with a wrist strap--you'll need both hands to climb over rocks and keep your balance. I had a jacket but was sweating so much just trying to stay upright that I never felt cold. Wear hiking shoes, not tennis shoes. You need sturdy soles and sides for protection, because tennis shoes are way too thin. I kept stepping on jagged knobs, then my foot would slide off, forcing me to walk on the sides of my feet the entire way. If your ankle muscles aren't strong, this hike will punish them. Every step involves either jagged rocks or unstable, tipping stones that shift under your weight. There are no flat areas to walk on. You're constantly catching yourself to avoid slipping, and one wrong step means smashing your face or knees onto sharp rocks. The end? Just a pile of more rocks. Honestly, I didn't enjoy it--I was too busy fighting for my life. lol! In my opinion, it wasn't worth the effort. read more

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Possibly one of the best things you can still do for free and one of the few things that would be worth paying to do. It has been about 30 years since we had done this and this time we brought our grandkids, 16 and 12 years old. The temperature is amazing, you will want to stay in the cave. The climb is difficult for some but so worth it if you are prepared. Definitely have several flashlights that are not shared. Have your own and go at your own pace. Proper shoes are very important. Hiking boots are best and gloves are helpful. It's about a mile and a half in and out but will feel like more. Pay attention and have fun! read more

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Amazing free thing to do and totally unique experience to be in thiwls 700,000 yr old cave created by lava flow. This was my family's favorite thing we did this trip. It's like 45 degrees in the cave so it's a perfect thing to do on a hot day to escape the heat! It maybe took an hour or 1.5 hrs. I think it was like 3/4 a Mile one way. It's not strenuous, just slow going with the walking surface being slippery and irregular. The beginning descent and the final exit are the most careful parts and definitely require 3 or 4 points of contact. DON'Ts: Do NOT bring dogs. I don't recommend bringing kids younger than 5. I saw some parents attempting to carry toddlers and I was worried they would trip and drop them! DO: MUST bring your own light. Recommend headlamps to keep your hands free to catch yourself. A friend told me she used her phone flashlight and her phone almost died. Also, bring a light jacket due to the much colder Temps. And always water. read more

Lava River Cave - 8 yrs old was a great age. Wouldn't take a kiddo younger than 5 yrs old IMO due to the slippery 45 degree angles - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

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Pretty cool if you were into caves as a kid!! Cool place to visit if you are in the Flagstaff area and have good mobility. Wear good shoes/boots and bring quality headlamps/flashlights. read more

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The Lava River Cave was a really fun and interesting experience. I enjoyed exploring the tunnel and seeing the unique rock formations. Just a heads-up -- be ready to climb and crouch through certain areas, and bring a jacket because it's pretty chilly down there. Definitely worth the visit! read more

You have to check out Lava River Cave! * On our last day off before heading home, we took the time to visit and explore more of Arizona. It was a nice time, exploring and making more memories. * Fun Fact: This is a lava tube in northern Arizona's Coconino National Forest. Approximately 0.75 miles long, it is the longest cave of its kind known in Arizona. * I was so prepared to see it, but was not prepared for it! Makes sense? LOL It's a must to have a really good flashlight; we used one plus a head lamp and our phones. You can explore the whole cave on your own but that would be creepy so bring a buddy or group! You should also wear a jacket when down there, it is cold even this time of year. * We arrived at noon and there were a couple of people mostly leaving rather than entering. It was definitely eerie down there! * It was truly an adventure exploring the cave, driving on some rugged dirt roads through the national forest on the way there and noticed there was a gravel road that went the whole way to the forest so we took the easier way out! * WARNING: Take the same road you took coming in to avoid getting lost in the forest. We took Service Rd 171. * For more outdoor adventures, follow @Bodintures2 read more

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We were visiting the Flagstaff area during Spring Break and this came up on a search of kid-friendly things to do. Suggest a light coat/sweatshirt, a fully charged headlamp for each person and hiking boots with ankle stability. We used our phones as flashlights and could have used the extra hand for grip. The entrance/exit is the hardest part, there are big boulders with gaps and several icy spots to look out for. Initially, we were starting to regret going down but we pressed on. It does level out somewhat but don't let the terrain distract you from the ceiling which varies in height. Several large boulders are also loose and wobbly. The path splits so you can go either way and end up back where you started. We chose to go right at the "Y" and we're having to duck walk through, had we known, some of us would have chose to go left and just turn around. Awesome experience and fun for kids too. read more

Such an amazing experience! I took my 2 small kids down with me (9&7) & we all made it to the end & back with no problems! Pointers I'd like to share for 1st time visitors during the summer... Bring: sweatshirt or sweater, water bottle, gloves for touching the cold rocks (both of my kids said their fingers were really cold), good walking/hiking shoes, & HEADLAMPS! Also, the drive In is a good drive off the main road, just keep going, it's so worth it! read more

Despite the fact that we were well-armed with detailed directions, when we set out to visit Lava River Cave we got lost and quite frustrated because of the almost complete lack of road signs. Tip: A good GPS is the only way to get here reliability - there complete lack of signs until you've almost arrived will thwart you otherwise. Once we got there and parked, we hiked for a short ways, but the terrain is quite difficult.  It was fully light when we were there, and I shudder to think of how easily we could have gotten stuck out there if darkness was coming on.... read more

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Really really cool place to visit. Super long tube that looks like a giant worm carved it out. Came on a Sunday afternoon and saw a decent number of people, but there were plenty of times where my partner and I couldn't see or hear anyone at all. Unlike other caves I've been to, it's not built out at all in terms of lights or structures. It really is just you walking in a dark tube until the end. The end was a bit anti-climatic, you just reach the end of the tunnel and that's it. No big pay off besides the journey itself. The hike itself was not hard at all. Just make sure you look where you're stepping and it'll be fine if you're in decent shape. Some places may get a little dicey but long as you take it slow it's fine. My partner who was 5 months pregnant did it with literally no issues. There are a few places where it gets a little tight and you have to crouch, but I never had to get on my stomach at any point. Also, at the fork/circle going in, I'd recommend going right. This is one of those sections that has really low clearance where you'll have to crouch, but on the way back, the entrance to this side of the cave is REALLY easy to miss. I will say headlamps are really helpful as you descend and ascend in/out of the cave. But not absolutely necessary. I just had a small flash light that I could hold in my mouth as I descended and never really needed it once I got into the cave. It also wasn't terribly chilly. I've read it was about 42 degrees year round. I had on some thicker (but not thick) joggers/sweats, a long sleeve shirt and a light jacket and was fine. You have to remember you'll be doing a fair bit of hiking so that will also keep you warm. I would say most of the other visitors were respectful, but there were a few obnoxious ones that would not stop shouting. It's a tube, it echoes and sound travels, please stop being annoying about it. read more

What a fun hike through this lava cave! No matter how hot it is outside (It was a high of 90 in Flagstaff when we went) the temperature inside will always be in the 40s. When we reached the entrance we could feel the cool breeze coming out from the cave. I wore a short sleeved shirt, jacket, jeans and sneakers and was fine for the whole hike. The cave itself is about 14 miles north of Flagstaff and the path to drive there is a mix of paved and graveled roads. When you turn off of the highway the paths get more narrow and uneven. It helps to have an SUV or more of an off road vehicle but it's not a long drive on uneven surfaces and my compact car did just fine. Driving on those roads reminded me a bit of driving in pot-hole ridden Cleveland actually (But without the speed traps and disgusting weather). We tried getting there using our GPS but we soon found out that it gives us misleading directions so we used the instructions from the official website: 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.  Coordinates:  35°20'32.2"N 111°50'08.2"W You'll soon reach the parking area and you'll basically park wherever you can find space. There are some paths to take that are a very short walk to the cave. We got here in the late morning on a weekend and it was busy! The parking area was nearly full and there were a lot of people descending into the cave. I didn't think I'd encounter lava tube cave traffic but now I know it's a thing haha. I actually had to wait a bit behind some other people to go in. If you want a more isolated/intimate experience it's probably best to go on a weekday or a less busy time. But, the benefit of going at a busier time is that if you lose your light or need help there are more people in the cave that can help you out. Bring: -Headlamps -Bright flashlights -Back up light or battery -Shoes with good traction. Hiking boots with ankle coverage if you tend to slip a lot. -Lightweight gloves for extra traction (We got our headlamps, gloves and flashlights from Harbor Freight for cheap) Not recommended: -Open toed shoes -Dogs -Toddlers -Babies -Crybabies You _can_ bring your dog or your toddler, there is really no one stopping you, but I would strongly suggest not to. There are a lot of small, deep crevices that are about the size of a toddler's leg or a dog's foot and rough surfaces where it can be all too easy for them to get trapped, trip, fall, sprain or break something. Add the fact that it's pitch black in the cave without your light, and you might have a recipe for disaster for the little ones. Even if you are carrying them, I think it can still be hazardous because there are a few areas that might be dicey if you don't have full use of your limbs, and with the added weight from carrying someone you could have a bad fall. For the most part the cave was dry when we went in, but there were a few slippery surfaces to be cautious of. In addition, there were a lot of loose rocks both big and small while we were walking. Also be aware there are areas where you'll have to bend down a bit because there are low ceilings. It took us about 45 minutes each way. A little over halfway through the cave separates into two paths, left and right. We took the right path. The end of the path was pretty uneventful. I feel like I walked forever to get to the nondescript end of the cave but I felt a sense of accomplishment that I went from one end of the cave to the other! While deciding on which direction to take I did feel like I was in a choose your own adventure story though. I do wonder what the left path held in store for people. Fame? Fortune? Treachery? Aliens? A grue? Or maybe just another long winding hike. I'd love to go back and try out the left side someday! read more

Lava River Cave - Entrance to the cave! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

I won't post too many pics but I loved loved this experience the drive there was amazing, the cave itself was badass! Definitely a work out but worth it I would do it again! Plus it's free that's always a plus in my book read more

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We visited as a family today. We put our 1 year old in a backpack carrier & our 4 year old hiked the entire cave herself, with minimal issues. This is a must see experience. It was cool inside the cave, but with all the work of hiking through, I did not see a need for a jacket. My children, on the other hand, wouldn't have made the journey without a coat. Make sure you have a headlamp, flashlight, and backup light source, in case batteries die. I would definitely come back! read more

Lava River Cave - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

Things are about to get dark, y'all! I'm not sure exactly how my group ended up here. Something about looking for outdoorsy things to do in Flagstaff... We heard lava. We heard cave. We were IN. I used plain ol' GPS to get to this spot but it's rather unmarked until you really get into the area. From the outside, it's pretty nondescript. Literally just a hole in the ground! There's a notebook outside to log your name for safety which is a little eerie but inside that box, we also found flashlights! Word to the wise: if you're going to enter a pitch black cave, flashlights, or better yet headlamps, are more than necessary! We commandeered those flashlights and also used our iPhone lights to guide us (#basic). Thankfully, there were other people around which help me feel reassured that everything was going to be ok and that this hike was legit. Overall, this was unlike any other cave I've been into! It was rocky and not groomed... Natural, yo! It also felt like I was playing Russian Roulette with my ankles, as it was wet inside the cave so I felt like I could slip at anytime. I promise it was fun though! The route itself is about 1.5 miles in and out. There's no pot of gold at the end of the tunnel, but there is some nice ground to sit on and mentally prepare for the trek back! On our way, I saw families eating lunches inside and kids of all ages, so I think anyone can probably take this on but just don't be prepared for a leisurely stroll. PRO TIP: In the middle there are two paths. Go to the left side for the easier route! read more

Lava River Cave - The outside of cabe and log to sign your name - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

After some travel atrocities the day before coupled with some sleeping in and a rain storm, we decided it best to push the Grand Canyon trip off until the next day. Instead, we decided to get our exploration on in Flagstaff! While we gorged on chilaquiles for lunch someone suggested checking out this cool lava cave. We all agreed it would be a neat alternative plan for the day so we headed that way. In my head, I pictured a big open cave that you walk into with maybe some information plaques set up along the way to tell you about the history etc... This is NOT that kinda cave! This is more of a climb down some steep wet rocks into a little hole in the ground until you arrive in complete darkness. Then carefully hike your way over the rocky terrain until you get to the end... then go back. Although it's not what I expected, it was way cooler for that same reason. There were no tour guides or entrance fees, it's just a public park with a hole in the ground where people can climb in. It's about 3/4 of a mile each way and once you get past the treacherous entrance, it gets much easier. You still need to be careful but I would say this is open to any skill level. There were plenty of families and others like us who were completely unprepared. To be prepared, I'd suggest packing light. You don't need to be carrying a backpack or much of anything with you. Bring a headlamp. We made it through with iPhone flashlights but not having to hold your phone while climbing over rocks would have been nice. Lastly, don't eat chilaquiles immediately before climbing into any cave. There are no bathrooms nearby so plan accordingly. Happy spelunking! read more

Lava River Cave - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

Pretty cool stuff. It's not often you can tell people that you've hiked a mile into a cave made by a volcano a half million years ago. The first bit is super rocky, but it smooths out at points. We made it to the fork with our kids and decided we'd come back and finish when they are a bit older, we have gloves (cold!), and better flashlights than the ones we brought. It is pitch black and a bit slippery in many areas, so be on alert. We will be back! I also recommend geocaching in the area after. We found some interesting ones! read more

My wife lost her phone at the lava river cave today 10/9/2021. We think someone found it because when we realized it was missing, on our way back we were asking everyone if they seen it and a lady mentioned she heard someone say they found a phone with a wallet which my wife's is a wallet case. I went back in three times and didn't find it. Please if anyone finds an iPhone with a white Disney wallet case call me 6026868145. We don't care about what's inside the wallet just want the phone back for the pictures :( We tried find my phone with no luck. read more

This lava river tube is a great natural wonder to visit. The road to access is close to Flagstaff but may require a vehicle with 4WD. We went during Christmas break and the backcountry roads to access the trail was completely covered in snow. The trail to the opening of the lava tube is a short hike but don't forget your flashlights, jacket, and backpack with extra battery and water. It is completely dark in the tube with no outside natural light. The lava tube is a long underground hike and has a few spots with low clearance so watch your head. Our family really enjoyed this lava tube and would definitely come back to visit. When we went there was nobody around which made this adventure extra special. Don't forget to pack your trash out! https://youtu.be/hGYD9Ln2w5c read more

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Key thoughts: -- It's between 32-40 degrees inside the cave year around, and there is always a breeze. So, freezing / blowing wind. Flippy floppys, shorts, tee shirts, etc will result in you turning around to exit not long after entering. -- Every person should have a headlamp in addition to a hand held flashlight. The mouth of the cave is steep and boulder strewn. Ingress / egress is not easy, there are many spots where you need both hands, especially when rocks inside the entrance are covered in ice. This is not some monument that the Forest Service has paved a path through, it's in it's natural rocky state and you need to be prepared for that if you want to enjoy it. -- As a suggestion, prepare for the hike into the Lava River Cave by wearing hiking boots with good ankle support, long pants, long sleeves, a winter coat or ski jacket, gloves, a helmet (or at least a hat. Watch your head! Parenting aside, LOL, what a cool thing to have in AZ. I've done plenty of caving over the years, but nothing quite like this. Fun adventure to head almost a mile underground in what's left of a tube created by molten lava. Some heavy geological stuff there! Make sure to take a moment to peruse the signage at the entrance, as it gives you some ideas of interesting features to look for while you're inside, and prepare for a hike that feels like a lot more distance than it actually is! read more

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LAVA TUBES!! This is one of my favorite places in Flagstaff but theres only so many times you can go. It's a fun little adventure and it's fairly easy to access. I enjoy exploring and using my imagination to fill questions that are constantly coming to mind while inside the cave. When I go I wear hiking boots (it's slippery), pants and a sweatshirt. I use a headlamp to keep my hands free. I'd recommend this place to anyone with a sense of adventure. read more

Lava River Cave - The entrance - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

I have done this hike a few times and it is great for the whole family. Make sure to dress warm even in the summers.

This place is awesome. I would definitely recommend it go look at things needed for doing something like this. Some people didn't have like headgear which amazed me because I hit my head at least three times and if I hadn't had a helmet on that would've hurt lol read more

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This is the coolest cave I've ever been in! It is ice cold inside at 32 degrees so dress right! Even when it was 77 outside today there was ice inside and still bone chilling cold. It is pitch black so bring head lights and flash lights. There's no way you can go into this cave without a light. We turned off our lights while deep inside and you couldn't see your own hand in front of you. There were a few spots you had to walk and duck but overall most of the time you're able to walk in an upright position. My husband had to carry our 4 year old the whole time because she was spooked but our 8 year old was able to hike/climb in it just fine. Must see! I hope I never forget the memory of that cool cave read more

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Funny that I had never explored this when I was living in Phoenix for 23 years but I came to visit my family on vacation and I'm stoked to say I have accomplished my goal of going into a mile-long hole in the ground where the temperatures are an escape from Arizona summer heat. It was worth every minute and just a short 30 minute drive north of Flagstaff off of a dirt road! !!!!!Bring a sweater and good flashlights! Don't skimp on the cheapos, you'll need the good ones, as it is pitch black and your safety is important to have fun!!!!! We saw large families ranging from 8-50 years of age, even a fearless dad hold his year old infant, so it is very family friendly but I would encourage some knee pads for the clumsy kids, cause I could have used them! read more

This place is amazing!!! It was 3 families kids ranging from 2yrs old - 16 yrs old. Of course the 2yr old was on a kid pack. There was a difficult part where we had to carry her because the cave gets real low. But, the place is amazing. ****BRING HEAD LAMPS**** you will need them. It took us about an hour to do the whole cave. We did do many stops. It does get a bit cold so a jacket is a must or a heavy sweater. We did the hike in April around 5pm a bit chilly but not freezing. The cave forks of you go right it's only a 5 min walk to the end but if you go left it's a 20 min walk to the end of the cave. read more

Lava River Cave - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

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Great location and cool 50 degree year around in the caves. Most of the time is in crowded and lots of parking available.

5 Stars for the coolest cave exploration I've ever been on! Ever seen the movie The Descent? Maybe give it a skip if you plan on hiking through this cave. A few important notes before you begin: - Bring flashlights or, even better, a headband flashlight so you have both hands free. When you turn your lights off it is absolute and total darkness. Kind of awesome. Kind of terrifying. - Wear a jacket! Layers are key because holy cow does it get cold the deeper you descend! It was August and my fingers were little icicles. - Wear good shoes with a grip. Some of the rocks are very slippery and wet. We started the descent and I was immediately surprised by the difficulty of staying upright. A few slips later and my bum was quite bruised. Luckily it evened out for a while and the absolute awe of seeing the giant caverns helped us all forget the scraped in our shins. When I say these caverns are impressive it's a disgusting understatement. After some crouching you emerge into what I can only describe as a cathedral. Some people feel spiritual in an actual cathedral, but for me this natural cavern provides incredible inspiration and energy. The trek isn't short, but it's pretty epic. This is for sure the most gnarly cave I've been in and I would definitely return for another visit. read more

What a pleasant surprise. This was NOT on our hitlist when we arrived to Flagstaff, but I'm so glad we made it out here. On a rainy Friday, we considered going to the Grand Canyon, but because it was so far and the weather was shitty, we decided to kick it closer to home. Not everyone was keen on going, but that changed aftewards. It was a blast. First of all this place is FREE. YES, FREE. You drive in, and can explore the depths of a cave for free. FREE.99 ya'll! Second, this is a cave. A frickin' cave ya'll!!!! How dope is that. Sorry, I'm from Florida. We only have beaches and alligators. Nature impresses me. As you walk up to it there, a book to sign, and some flashlights, this was a huge plus, as we wouldn't be able to see anything if not for these (and our iphone lights!). WARNING - BRING LIGHTS. Preferably go to Walmart and buy some head lamps. You'll thank me. I wish we had come prepared. It's a little rough at the entrance. And will be even harder getting out. However, the cave smooths out, and the treck is mainly filled with my new fav game, "Will the stone shake when I step on it, throwing me off balance?" Seriously though, it's awesome. Keep your eyes on the ground, as tripping can be very real. Also, watch your head in certain places. I hit the chrome dome a few times, and have a nice scab to prove it. However, when the cave opens up, the roof is SO high, it's incredible. No signs of wildlife. Not sure if that's always the case? I would go to this cave every month if I lived near by. What a workout, and what an incredible piece of nature. read more

This is a great hike that requires a headlamp, small flashlight, sweatshirt, and gym shoes with good grip! The lava tubes were beautiful and not a terribly long hike. Spaces would go from impossibly large to crouching space. I only hit my head twice (nice work, Natalie.) and still had a great time, so that's saying something. The temps average 35 degrees. A perfect way to get out of the summer heat while still getting in some exercise. If you have a fancy camera, it wouldn't be difficult to bring it. We only had cell phones and regretted not being able to take a proper long exposure shot inside. We saw a girl getting some rad shots of her yoga poses in a couple places. Good stuff. read more

Lava River Cave - Inside the cave, painting light and using long exposure on a cell phone camera. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

I love the lava tubes! It's down a dirt road that seems a lot longer than it is, but it's not difficult at all. It's in such a nice part of the forest that my girlfriend and I had a picnic before we hiked and it was perfect. The cave is so fun to explore, and it feels safe without being crowded. It's a bit wet in some areas, so be careful not to slip and wear good shoes. It's very cold down there, but I wore jeans and a sweatshirt and I had to roll up my sleeves. It gets warm as you get moving. I saw a lot of hikers in shorts! It's not as smooth a walk as I remember from visiting as a kid, it's a bit of a rock climb at some parts, but it's definitely not anything too intense. It's good for kids, so it just takes endurance, not much actual strain. When you get to the fork, the left tunnel is easy and the right tunnel is a bit of a squeeze. I've been visiting the lava caves for years, I never get tired of it! read more