Lava River Cave

Bring headlamps. In summer it is ok to have T-​shirt and sweater. Wear jeans and good shoes.
Great cave but watch low areas.

Cool spot to beat the heat!
It’s about 30 – 40 degrees down here so wear something warm.
It is a cave so it will be pitch black so a headlamp is a good idea if you don’t want to carry a flashlight.
Good footwear is important unless you like twisting ankles or falling down.
For the sake of goodness go to the bathroom before you go down since you can imagine the stench if you drop a deuce in a cave with little air flow at all! Even pee stinks like crazy down there.
Other than that it is a super short hike from the parking area and close to Flagstaff so stop in and check it out!

Just a heads up the road to the cave is very bumpy. we had a car so it was just a bit more bumpy and the road can get narrow keep in mind to go slow. There isn’t much reviews on dogs so I will focus on that. We have a med size dog and a small chihuahua they both did fine except the first part where you enter the cave is very rocky so we picked them up. After that my med size dog would walk. Make sure you bring good lighting for yourself and for the dogs they only got hesitant when they couldn’t see. There are spaces where you will have to crouch down, But there and back it isn’t bad and isn’t as Rocky as you would think. I recommend going especially when it’s Hott it’s nice to feel the difference.

Key thoughts:
– It’s between 32 – 40 degrees inside the cave year around, and there is always a breeze. So, freezing /​blowing wind. Flippy floppys, shorts, tee shirts, etc will result in you turning around to exit not long after entering.
– Every person should have a headlamp in addition to a hand held flashlight. The mouth of the cave is steep and boulder strewn. Ingress /​egress is not easy, there are many spots where you need both hands, especially when rocks inside the entrance are covered in ice. This is not some monument that the Forest Service has paved a path through, it’s in it’s natural rocky state and you need to be prepared for that if you want to enjoy it.
– As a suggestion, prepare for the hike into the Lava River Cave by wearing hiking boots with good ankle support, long pants, long sleeves, a winter coat or ski jacket, gloves, a helmet (or at least a hat. Watch your head!
Parenting aside, LOL, what a cool thing to have in AZ. I’ve done plenty of caving over the years, but nothing quite like this. Fun adventure to head almost a mile underground in what’s left of a tube created by molten lava. Some heavy geological stuff there! Make sure to take a moment to peruse the signage at the entrance, as it gives you some ideas of interesting features to look for while you’re inside, and prepare for a hike that feels like a lot more distance than it actually is!

Cool spot. FREE! It was neat to go down and hike thru the dark cave/​tunnel. It’s dark and chilly so bring flashlights and a jacket. Terrain is rocky at times but it’s a fairly easy hike. Definitely wear good shoes. When we went in it was thundering and apparently rained hard while we were down in the cave but we never heard a thing. No bathrooms in the Forrest service parking area so make sure you stop before you get out there. This was pretty amazing and an adventure that everyone should try at least once.

This is my favorite place to go in flagstaff! So neat to walk through where it’s pitch black and parts that you have to crotch down a little and others that a train could fit through. It really is such a neat place everyone needs to check out. I would guess it’s about a mile long. Boyfriend and I make it a thing to go at least once a year to get away and spend night in flagstaff going to lava river cave and lunch.
Make sure to bring a jacket, because even mid summer it’s cold down there, and of course a flashlight because it’s your only source of light, we went to Walmart and got some cheap lights that you wrap around your head and worked perfect!!!

It wasn’t super «Oh my god» amazing but if you’re in the area it’s definitely worth the trip. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen before so it gets a little bonus. If I could give it 3.5 stars that would be more accurate.

We enjoyed our trip into the cave but I had read a lot about hiking in to it before we went so we were well prepared. We each had a headlight which was perfect because it kept our hands free to steady ourselves. We also each had an extra flashlight in case one of our headlights failed. A couple of us took light jackets with us as the temperature inside the cave is so much cooler. It actually felt a bit warmer because you’re moving, climbing over rocks and walking, plus there is no wind. The terrain is very rough the first fifty feet or so. You are absolutely climbing down big boulders. When you reach the bottom, it doesn’t really smooth out like I had read from other articles. The floor of the cave is strewn with loose, jagged, sharp rocks and boulders and some water puddles from where it seeps through. There is some spots that are quite slippery. We saw a couple people bring their dogs down with them. I have no idea why someone would make their dogs walk on those sharp rocks. I felt the edges through my running shoes and can’t imagine how awful they must feel on their paws. We also saw a few people using their cell phones for light because they didn’t bring flashlights. If you come prepared then you will enjoy your trip into the cave! The water droplets on the roof of the cave reflects the light from your flashlights and looks like melted silver. It’s quite pretty!

Awesome experience the entrance to the cave is quite steep and rocky .I would not recommend bringing toddlers or animals. Head lamps work the best

If you have never gone under a cave, this will scare you. But this can be a once in a lifetime experience.
I have gone through some caves around, but this is the best of all.
There will be no strike of light and the rocks are solid. Watch your step carefully.
I was here with my friends and can never forget that experience

Interesting… that what I’ve been hearing all of these years about the lava tubes in Flagstaff. Well I finally made it a point to come up to do them. Had to pick a super hot day down in Phx for it to so it would be refreshing up north too!
After a nice well maintained forest road in the mud (4wd) was used not needed but lots of fun on! I was in heaven driving on the roads, kicking up mud on my truck and having the windows open. That’s the best part of the hike, getting here! Look up google maps and plan your route. I took a Forrest road right off the 40 access road and drive it up north until the turn off. Took that FR road back toward 180 and toured around snow bowl after.
Finding the opening to the cave is really easy. Just follow the signs. The most narrow spot is the actual entrance but it opens up once you go further. The hike goes down 1.5 miles I to the abyss. I say that because that what it feels like. Very dark and cold. I spent most of my time watching my footing so much that I almost hit my head a few times because I wasn’t paying attention. The entire hike was dark and you really had to be careful. We were also lucky to do this on a Monday with just a group of 3. Try turning off all lights and being silent for a while. Man it can be creapy So dark you will. It see your hand.
Anyways we didn’t compete the entire hike. That’s rare for me being such an avid hiker. The scenery was pretty much the same as soon as you enter till the end so I didn’t see the point of risking cracking my head I. A low hanging rock.
I still had fun, but next time I’ll just go a little bit down and play with my lighting an using my camera to capture some good shots.

The reviewers are spot on. Wear a warm jacket good footwear and plenty of light. Preferably more than one light source. It can get slippery at times. So watch your footing. Enjoy

Very cool place. Just expect it to be about 40 degrees. It was chilly. Very hard to get through the first section, big rocks and some that may not be very sturdy. We hiked with a 2 year old in a hiking backpack. Better than carrying her or letting her walk but just be prepared to do some squatting and crawling through the tighter areas but can be done. When you come to the y in cave take the left if you have kids. Easier not as tight and confined. Overall cool hike

The Lava River Cave is a destination. I highly recommend. Let me start out by saying that is not the easiest of hikes. Be prepared for the cool and dampness of the cave. The rocks are slippery whether they are wet or not. Wear good shoes or hiking boots. I have Asic’s that are made for trails and even I slipped a few times.
Aside from slipping the other thing I highly recommend is WATCH YOUR HEAD! The cave can go from 30′ high to 4′. My wife and son hit their heads pretty hard. I almost did a few times. The biggest problem is a lot of time you are concentrating your light on where you are stepping and the ceiling lowers.
The hike is 1.5 miles from point A to B and back to A. It took is over 40 minutes with a few water breaks.
At the turnaround there is a rock pyramid that visitors have built. One thing I was baffled by was the number if cigarette butts at the turnaround.
«Yeah, I just did a strenuous ¾ of a mile subterranean hike over slippery lava rocks and I am ready for a Camel.»
Noticed 3 dogs being lead through cave. One had doggy boots to help with the jagged rocks. One little dog did not want want to go further and it’s owner kept pulling him along. They ask that you do not bring dogs in the cave and I agree.
There were quite a few people there today, but it never felt overly crowded. People were friendly and helpful with information. The biggest question from hikers as they pass is «How much further?»
Overall, we loved the Lava River Hike and we will do it again. We did it on a day trip from Surprise.
I recommend. Not for the weak and weary.

We loved this hike. Actually we love the drive there even more. We missed the first right turn off the freeway and took the second right turn and boy was that an adventure in itself. My little 4 banger sedan barely made it through the wet muddy terrain. I recommend bringing your date or love ones to this hike. Oh and use head lamps rather than flashlights to free up your hands so you can brace yourself in case you do fall as some of the rocks are slippery.

Maybe this will be the first review from an extremely out of shape person so here goes!
I’m no hiker, but I agreed to come along on this hike because I was told by others that it was doable. All it was was basically spooky because you’re underground they said. ha ha yeah…
So here are my thoughts. If you have flat feet, no matter how much you weigh or how good your hiking shoes are, your feet are going to hate you. The flattest parts of the cave feel like you’re walking on coral that is broken up, trying to grab your shoes and twist your ankles. The worst parts are the boulders that you have to scuttle over like a spider monkey.
You’re at 8000 elevation– the air will be thin. I would suggest wearing jeans because it gets to be in the 30’s in there, and in case you fall, maybe the jeans will protect your skin. I fell twice. The second time I was lucky enough to fall on a craggy piece of rock. It was awesome. Good thing my nethers were cold so I couldn’t feel much anyway. Felt pretty violated though.
My boyfriend and I actually made it all the way through. Its lonely, cold, silent, and creepy. If you’re feeling oxygen-​deprived, it can be a bit of a challenge to keep your anxiety level low. Just have to keep telling yourself there are thousands of other crazy people that go back and forth in this cave every year, and hopefully most of them survive. If they didn’t, whomever had to drag them out I really feel sorry for, because there’s no way to do it really. If you get a panic attack, or you hurt yourself, or have a heart attack, or get dizzy and faint, you are ON YOUR OWN, bro. If you have only one other person with you, they would have to get help somehow and would have to leave you in that cave, surrounded by silence and darkness. For this reason I recommend going in at least groups of 3. Hope you have back up flashlights and batteries. Maybe holy water.
Take a picture with your camera phone or digital camera of the map at the entrance, so you can recognize the fork in the path. Just remember: going in, stay to the left. Going out, stay to the right.
I recommend doing it in the morning, while other people will be in there also. They wouldn’t be able to drag you out but at least they could tell someone what happened to you on their way out. Its good camraderie to say hello to each other. Everyone is pretty nice, you know, being all stuck underground. I’m guessing that if there was a zombie outbreak, this cave might be a good place to hide in.
Some reason, it make my stomach upset. That was probably the worst part of it, to be honest. Nothing to do but sit down and wait for your stomach to calm down, then get up and keep going.
If any of you reading this go up there and start to have a panic attack, just remember: there is only one way in and one way out so you can’t get lost. Take it one step at a time, and you will get through it. You will be so happy to see the entrance again, and you will be proud of yourself for getting through it. If you have to, stop at every large stone that you can sit on and rest for a bit. Bring a jacket, and a bottle of water, or better yet, Gatorade.
I give this place 5 stars because its a pretty epic and spooky hike. Its ridiculous, and we are all ridiculous that go through the whole thing. But it makes for a good story.
Its been two days and my legs feel like I’m still trying to balance on rocks.
Do not bring very young children, and don’t bring pets. Better yet, if you are in any doubt, stay home and watch The Goonies.

The Lava River Cave has been described by everyone efficiently so far who has reviewed this. With that being said, I wanted to throw my two cents in. My family decided to go check out this cave (we had three kids in tow — two 3 year olds and a baby [in a carrier, of course] — we also had three dogs who are extremely active and used to hiking 10 miles +), if you do have youngish children (even in carriers) or you have dogs, I would definitely advise not taking them. The entrance into the cave is always 40 degrees and it ices over. It’s definitely not something I would feel comfortable taking the dogs or taking young children who can’t keep their balance on their own. Half our group had to turn around after going down into the cave because it wasn’t suitable for them.
With that being said, bring a flashlight (a head lamp is best) and wear sneakers. Parts of the hike can be bumpy and uneven, it’s important to wear stable shoes. For the people who did the hike into the cave, they thought it was an awesome experience and would give it ***** :)

The Lava River Cave is a short 1.5 mile hike, but is quite possibly one of the most exciting, spooky, challenging hikes I’ve ever been on!
As you approach the cave, you can feel the temperatures drop. It’s about 40 degrees inside the cave so I would plan to layer. I saw some folks go in with flip-​flops, but I definitely recommend wearing sneakers or hiking boots. It’s slippery in the cave and lava rocks are pretty sharp. We saw some folks with dogs on leashes, but I wouldn’t take my dogs on this hike.
My family wore headlamps, which freed our hands for balance and hold. It is PITCH BLACK inside the cave, and as the tour books and online posts recommend, I would recommend bringing a back up flashlight in the event your primary light was to fail.
I was a little freaked out approaching the hole in the ground which breathed cold air in my face and was pitch black as far as I strained my eyes. But we started our scramble, and it helped that there were others coming in and out of the cave. Although, frequently on the hike, we were alone in the silence and our own headlamp glow.
My husband is 6ft 4 inches and there were a couple of spots where he had to squat his way through the cave. We all relished in the «flat» areas (no rocks), which are relatively few.
I was so cold and nervous, I was sweating (if that makes any sense). And often I had to stop because my breath was getting in the way of me being able to see the rocks ahead.
But man-​oh-​man, this was one of the most unique hiking experiences we’ve ever had, and we’ve hiked some beauties — Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion! I’m so glad, we did this and I’ve promised all our friends from back East to take them on this «short» hike (outside Winter time)! Do it! You won’t regret it.

It’s like Hawaii all over again. The «lava» reminds me of volcano back home. It was an amazing adventure, but it was really rocky.
It’s important to be prepare with these things on the hike:
— comfortable shoes that can walk on rocky area
— bring a jacket because it gets real cold and wet inside
— a really bright flashlight because it’s really dark inside, can’t see anything without it
— a camera (make sure it’s fully charged and your SD card is in the camera, I went without having my SD card, so dumb. missed out on these moments.)
— bring water because you’ll get thirsty from the hike
— a first aid kit in case any injury might occur
The next day, your thigh and leg will hurt. My roommate and I was having trouble walking too much after the hike. Our legs hurt a lot.
Well, if you decide to go, GOOD LUCK and have fun!

LAVA TUBES!
This is one of my favorite places in Flagstaff but theres only so many times you can go. It’s a fun little adventure and it’s fairly easy to access. I enjoy exploring and using my imagination to fill questions that are constantly coming to mind while inside the cave. When I go I wear hiking boots (it’s slippery), pants and a sweatshirt. I use a headlamp to keep my hands free. I’d recommend this place to anyone with a sense of adventure.