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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Current Conditions

During the Winter, roads leading into the area are closed to vehicles.

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.

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 35.34281

Longitude: -111.83814

Elevation

7684

Directions

Location: About 14 miles north of Flagstaff on paved highways and graveled Forest Roads. Travel time is about 45 minutes.

GPS (Map): 35°20'32.2"N 111°50'08.2"W

Access: 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.

NOTE: Though the Lava River Cave is open year-round, FR 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 US 180.

Click on map thumbnail for a larger view.