The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Lava River Cave in Flagstaff, Arizona

Written By Andrea Blake

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Looking for one of the most unique adventures in Northern Arizona? Add the Lava River Cave in Flagstaff to your list!

Hidden beneath the ponderosa pine forest just outside of Flagstaff is a lava tube formed roughly 700,000 years ago by volcanic activity. Today, you can climb down into the cave and explore the dark, rocky tunnel on your own, no guided tour required.

It’s cold, completely dark, and definitely a little adventurous, which makes it such a fun change from your typical Arizona hike. Whether you're visiting Flagstaff for the weekend or looking for a summer escape from the Valley heat, here's everything you need to know before exploring the Lava River Cave.

Where Is the Lava River Cave?

The Lava River Cave is located in Coconino National Forest, about 14 miles north of Flagstaff.

Although it isn't far from town, the final portion of the drive takes you along forest roads, so give yourself plenty of time to get there.

Driving Directions

From Flagstaff:

  • Take US-180 north for approximately 9 miles

  • Turn left onto Forest Road 245

  • Continue approximately 3 miles

  • Turn onto Forest Road 171

  • Continue about 1 mile

  • Follow FR 171B toward the Lava River Cave parking area

I recommend downloading your directions before leaving Flagstaff since cell service can become spotty once you get into the forest.

Important: Forest roads can close seasonally because of snow, mud, weather, or other conditions, so always check current Coconino National Forest road conditions before making the drive there.

Parking Information

There is a parking area near the Lava River Cave trailhead.

From the parking lot, you'll take a short walk through the ponderosa pines to reach the cave entrance. The entrance itself is easy to miss if you aren't looking for it, you're essentially approaching an opening in the rocky ground!

The area can get busy, especially on summer weekends, so I recommend arriving earlier in the day if you want fewer crowds.

How Long Is the Lava River Cave?

The Lava River Cave is roughly one mile long, meaning exploring all the way to the end and back can turn into about a two-mile underground adventure.

How long you spend inside really depends on your pace and how far you choose to explore.

You don't have to go all the way to the end! If the scrambling or darkness isn't for you, you can explore a portion of the cave and turn around whenever you're ready.

What the Cave Is Like

Don't expect a paved pathway or tourist attraction once you get underground… this is a real cave!

The beginning is one of the trickiest sections because you'll need to go over large, loose rocks to make your way down. Once you're farther inside, the cave levels out more, but the ground remains rocky and uneven.

Expect:

  • Complete darkness

  • Loose and slippery rocks

  • Uneven terrain

  • Sections with low ceilings

  • Rock scrambling

  • Tight or narrow areas in certain sections

You'll want your hands free while climbing over rocks, which is why I HIGHLY recommend wearing a headlamp instead of relying on your phone flashlight.

This isn't necessarily a difficult hike in the traditional sense, but navigating uneven rocks in complete darkness makes it much more adventurous.

Yes, It's COLD Down There!

One of the craziest parts about the Lava River Cave is the temperature difference. Even if you're visiting Flagstaff on a warm summer day, temperatures inside the cave can drop to around 42°F. You may even find ice inside! Definitely don't make the mistake of dressing for the temperature outside. Bring layers that you can put on before entering the cave.

Honestly, that's also what makes this such a fun Arizona summer activity. You can go from sunshine and warm temperatures to exploring a freezing cold underground cave within minutes.

Ideal Seasonal Timing

The best time to visit is late spring to fall because the forest roads are typically more accessible.

These seasons usually offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds than peak summer. Summer can also be fun because the cave stays cold even when temperatures outside are much warmer.

Winter is a completely different experience. The cave itself may be accessible year-round, but the forest roads leading to it can close because of snow and muddy conditions, potentially turning your visit into a much longer hike or ski.

Always check road and weather conditions before heading out.

What to Bring:

Essentials

You don't need technical caving equipment to explore Lava River Cave, but you DO need to come prepared.

I recommend bringing:

  • Headlamp

  • Backup flashlight or second light source

  • Warm jacket or sweatshirt

  • Long pants or leggings

  • Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip

  • Plenty of water

  • Small backpack

  • Gloves if your hands get cold easily

Bring at least two reliable sources of light. Once you're deep inside the cave, there is absolutely no natural light, and a phone flashlight shouldn't be your primary light source.

Helpful Extras

A few things that can make your experience even better:

  • Beanie

  • Lightweight gloves

  • Small first-aid kit

  • Extra batteries

  • Helmet for added protection from low ceilings

  • Snacks for before or after your adventure

Is the Lava River Cave Kid-Friendly?

This really depends on the child. Adventurous older kids who are comfortable with darkness and climbing over rocks may LOVE this experience. However, the cave is completely dark and includes slippery, uneven terrain and some scrambling.

For younger kids or anyone uncomfortable with confined, dark spaces, it may feel intimidating. If you're bringing kids, make sure everyone has their own reliable light source and appropriate shoes.

Safety Tips

The Lava River Cave is undeveloped, so you're responsible for your own safety while exploring.

A few important things to remember:

  • Never enter without a reliable light source

  • Bring backup lighting

  • Wear sturdy shoes with good traction

  • Take your time on loose rocks

  • Watch your head around low ceilings

  • Stay with your group

  • Tell someone where you're going

  • Bring warm layers regardless of the temperature outside

  • Check forest road and weather conditions before leaving

  • Don't touch or approach bats or other wildlife

  • Don't rely solely on your phone for navigation or lighting

And remember - you can always turn around! There's no prize for making it all the way to the end, so explore only as far as you feel comfortable.

Leave No Trace

The Lava River Cave is an incredible natural feature, and keeping it that way is everyone's responsibility.

Please:

  • Pack out everything you bring in

  • Never carve or write on the cave walls

  • Don't remove rocks or other natural features

  • Avoid disturbing wildlife

  • Stay respectful of other visitors

  • Leave the cave exactly how you found it

Unfortunately, portions of the cave have been vandalized with graffiti in the past. Let's keep this spot beautiful for everyone who gets to experience it after us!

Final Thoughts

The Lava River Cave is easily one of the coolest adventures you can have near Flagstaff, literally and figuratively.

There's something so surreal about walking through a sunny ponderosa pine forest and then climbing underground into a pitch-black lava tube that was created hundreds of thousands of years ago. It's adventurous without requiring a guided tour, completely different from your typical Arizona hike, and an especially fun way to escape the summer heat.

Pack your headlamp, bring plenty of layers, wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty, and get ready for one of the most unique adventures in Northern Arizona!

Andrea Blake
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