Go Underground – Crawl Through Lava Tubes in Flagstaff, AZ
Looking for a cool summer hike? Plan a day trip to the lava tubes in Flagstaff. This chilly underground hike is kid-friendly and adventurous. One summer, while trying to beat the heat and find something new for the kids to get excited about, we stumbled across a mention of the Lava River Tubes Cave.
Naturally, we hit the road to check this place out. I want to share with you how to find the caves, what to wear and what to expect when you get there.
Whether you’re craving something new to do on the weekend or this stop is part of your road trip through northern Arizona the Lava River Cave in Flagstaff is a fun summer adventure.
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How to Get to Lava Tubes Cave in Flagstaff
The Lava River Cave or Lava Tubes are 14-miles north of Flagstaff. To get there from Flagstaff:
- Take US 180 like you are going to Snowbowl
- Continue on and turn left at Forest Road 245 (dirt road) drive for 3 miles
- Turn left on FR171 (not paved) and drive 1 mile to cave.
Please note the road may be closed in the winter months due to heavy snowfall.
Hike to the Lava River Cave Entrance
Once you park, it’s a short walk flat walk through the trees to the cave entrance. You’ll reach the entrance in less than a quarter of a mile.
Entrance to Lava River Tubes
After your short walk you’ll find yourself standing in front of a giant hole in the earth. Time to go underground.
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What to Expect at the Lava River Cave
There are outhouse style bathrooms and picnic tables, but otherwise this is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out kind of spot. So, before you head out, stock up on essentials such as water, and snacks.
The moment you step inside the cave, the temperature drops like you just walked into a refrigerator. The average temperature in the lava tubes is between 34 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
On a hot Arizona day, it feels amazing. Even in the middle of summer, we spotted patches of ice clinging to the rocks.
We were glad we came prepared: jeans, long sleeves, and headlamps. Flashlights work too, but having your hands free is a game-changer. We purchased inexpensive headlamps . It was nice to be able to have your hands free while exploring the cave.
The cave is pitch dark. No ambient light, no glow from the entrance once you’re deep inside. It’s the kind of darkness where your hand disappears even when it’s right in front of your face. But that’s part of the fun!
The ground? Uneven. Rugged. Sometimes slippery. You’re stepping over chunks of rock, crouching through low ceilings, and weaving your way through narrow parts of the lava-formed tunnel.
This is not your typical walk in the park, so good shoes make a big difference, especially if you want to avoid sprained ankles or sore feet.
Length of Lava River Tubes
The full length of the cave is about ¾ of a mile with one way in, one way out. You go in, you explore, you soak up the ancient coolness of this volcanic tunnel and then you turn around and make your way back the same way you came.
This natural wonder was carved out by molten lava more than 700,000 years ago. When the outer layer of lava cooled and hardened, the liquid lava inside kept flowing, eventually leaving behind the hollow “tube” we hike through today. This is a really cool hike, especially in the summer.
For us, the Lava River Cave was one of those totally unexpected adventures. The kids loved exploring a cave. They scrambled over rocks, shined their lights in every crack and crevice, and declared it one of the “coolest hikes ever.”
This hike is perfect if you’re:
- Looking to escape the summer heat
- Wanting to try something a little different
- Road tripping through northern Arizona
- Traveling with kids or teens who need a break from screens
- Hoping to add a surprise adventure to your weekend plans
There’s no big sign, no souvenir shop just you, the forest, and a secret cave.
How to Get to the Lava Tubes
Directions: From Flagstaff, take US 180 like you are going to Snowbowl, continue on and turn left at Forest Road 245 (dirt road) drive for 3 miles, then turn left on FR171 and drive 1 mile to cave.
For more information visit the website Coconino National Forest
No dogs or pets are allowed in the cave.
