Lava River Cave

Note: The Lava River Cave is open year-round. However, Forest Roads 245 and/or 171 may be closed during the winter months. For more information, please see https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55122&actid=102 The Lava River Cave is a natural formation remaining from a lava tube. The entrance to the cave is a rapid rock covered decent that "levels off". The cave floor is the cooled waves of lava that once flowed; it's very hard and uneven. There are some tight spots when crouching is required; large backpacks should be left at the surface. At the end of the main cave is a small cave just big enough to sit in; not for big guys or the claustrophobic. You definitely need a flashlight or a headlamp. The Lava River Cave is a unique trail that ties in excellently with the remains of volcanic activity elsewhere in the region. From SP Crater and Sunset Crater to the vast caldera of the San Francisco Peaks, you can see volcanos and cinder cones all over the Flagstaff area. This lava tube gives you another perspective and cool geologic insight into nearby eruptions from thousands of years ago. The scrambling at the entrance was a little frustrating because it presents an obstacle to getting down to the good stuff, and the rugged rocks continued throughout the cave—and appeared to be portions of the ceiling that had broken off and fallen to the floor. At one point, the trail splits in half. Take the trail to the left for an easier experience, or, go to the right if you want to crouch down and squeeze underneath a 3-foot clearance opening. There are one or two more parts where you have to do a little duck walk beneath low ceilings, so if this will be challenging for you, be advised.