Lava River Cave

This mile-long lava tube cave was formed roughly 700,000 years ago by molten rock that erupted from a volcano in nearby Hart Prairie.

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General Information

Season: You can visit Lava River Cave the year-round, though you may need to ski to it in winter since Forest Roads 245 and/or 171 are closed during the winter months. Temperatures inside the cave remain roughly the same summer and winter (between 35° and 45° Fahrenheit).

Attractions: Cool cave, lava flow, scenic drive, wildlife viewing

Facilities: Interpretive sign

Notes:

No dogs or pets allowed.
Wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes. Consider wearing a hard hat or helmet.
Bring two or three light sources.
Please don't deface cave surfaces.
No dumping of trash or toilet cartridges.
Day use only. Nearest developed camping is in Flagstaff. Dispersed camping is not allowed within 1 mile of the cave entrance.

Though the Lava River Cave is open year-round, Forest Road 245 and/or FR171 are typically closed due to muddy, snowy conditions. It is approximately a four-mile one-way trip to hike or ski to the cave from SR 180.

This site requires a pass. If an America the Beautiful Interagency Pass or Red Rock Pass is not used, you may purchase a pass from the onsite automated fee machines.

Day: $5 per vehicle.(available on site)
Weekly: $15 per vehicle. (available on site)

Exterior image of the Flagstaff Ranger Station.

Address: 5075 N. Highway 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: 928-526-0866
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Cof_Webmail@usda.gov

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 35.34281

Longitude: -111.83814

Elevation

7,684 ft.

Directions

Location: About 14 miles north of Flagstaff on paved highways and gravel forest roads.

Access: Drive 9 miles north of Flagstaff on state Route 180 and turn west (left) on Forest Road 245 (at milepost 230). Continue 3 miles to FR 171 and turn south 1 mile to where FR 171B turns left a short distance to Lava River Cave.