Go Underground: Crawling Through Lava River Cave in Flagstaff, AZ
Looking for a cool summer hike? This underground lava river cave is kid-friendly – a cool underground adventure you didn’t know you needed. 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 Cave. Naturally, we hit the road to check this place out.
Whether you’re craving something new to do on the weekend or part of the road tripping through Northern Arizona with a love for offbeat stops, this one’s for you.
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How to Get to Lava River Tube Cave
The Lava River Tube Cave is 14-miles north of Flagstaff. 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 (not paved) and drive 1 mile to cave. Please note the road may be closed in the winter months due to heavy snowfall.
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.
Once you park, it’s a short walk through the trees to the cave entrance. And then you’re standing in front of a giant hole in the earth. Time to go underground.
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Explore the Lava Tube River Cave
The moment you step inside the cave, the temperature drops like you just walked into a fridge. 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 thrill!
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.
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, totally unforgettable 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.
he Lava River Cave is one of those hidden gems that makes you fall in love with Arizona all over again. It’s rugged, it’s mysterious, and it feels like a secret passage into another world. A visit to this cave is worth the detour.
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
