Arizona is home to plenty of mining tunnels, most of which have long since been abandoned. Most of these are too dangerous to access. If you want the experience of spelunking and exploring a similar tunnel, we have just the place for you! Arizona’s lava river cave.

Lava River Cave is located in northern Arizona, about 14 miles directly northwest of Flagstaff via US 180 and a small forest road. Part of the San Francisco volcanic field, the lava river cave was formed 700,000 years ago when lava erupted from a nearby vent in Hart Prairie. This lava—which typically ranges between 1,200 and 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit—created a tube with wavy ripples that is covered in an icy condensation these days.

Right Brain Photography/Flickr
The entrance to the cave is unassuming. After driving along dirt roads for a few miles, a modest sign and a little plaque greet you at what looks to be a pile of rocks.
Right Brain Photography/Flickr
From afar it looks to be just a collection of rocks but step down and you'll find an entrance to squeeze in. These first steps require careful maneuvering over boulders that can get slippery.
Coconino National Forest/Flickr
Not long after you climb down into the cave, the temperature drops drastically, reaching a high of no more than 45 degrees, so you’ll definitely need to wear an extra layer for the walk-through. From here, the cave extends almost one mile deep, with the ceiling varying in height from very tall to just a few feet high. The very end of the cave is especially short; most people crawl to the end and touch the wall before climbing back.

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Coconino National Forest/Flickr
The cave is also very dark, so in addition to bringing a jacket for warmth, you should bring a flashlight or a headlamp for light. If you bring a camera, take a tripod with you to capture some spectacular light trails from the flashlights jostling about.
Coconino National Forest/Flickr
Coconino National Forest/Flickr
If you want to see what a trip through this tunnel-like cave is like, check out this video!

This looks like a spectacular place to visit, especially now with the summer heat! To get to the cave from Flagstaff, drive north on US 180 just over 14 miles to Fire Road 245. Follow this to Fire Road 171, then FR 171B. The lava river cave will be directly in front of you. If you want to take Interstate 40, follow these directions from Google or these directions from the US Forest Service.

Want more ideas for cave exploration? Check out our article on Arizona caves.

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