You Have to Experience This Lava Tube Cave Hike in Southern California for Yourself

As someone who grew up in the Mojave Desert, I can confirm that it's a special place. Ochre desert sands, massive mountains, and shimmering cotton candy-colored sunsets are among the many things I take pride in as a former Las Vegas native. But there's something especially amazing about the Mojave National Preserve; it's a treasure trove of adventure all on its own. Beyond its convenient location between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, the 1.6-million-acre park is known for its abundance of Joshua trees and singing sand dunes. Head east from the historic Kelso Depot, and you'll find a true SoCal spectacle: the Lava Tube Trail.

There are many stunning landscapes in California, but volcanic lava tubes are one of those natural wonders that no one talks about. This special desert lava tube is naturally formed by—you guessed it—volcanic activity, where basaltic lava in the area flows, cools, then hardens from the exposed air to create an underground void. The Lava Tube Trail is located in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field, and you’ll need to drive approximately five miles east of Kelbaker Road to get there. Follow Aiken Mine Road (a sandy and unpaved road), then take a left at a fork in the road, which you’ll need to take for a quarter mile until you reach a parking area. Just a short, 300-yard walk uphill, you’ll find a fence and a path that takes you to a metal ladder that descends into the Lava Tube Trail. 

From marveling at the fleeting light beams above to exploring the natural wonders around, this unique trail is more than a photo-worthy moment. It attracts explorers of all kinds, and it’s easy to see why the lava tube is enjoyed by science enthusiasts, novice hikers, and spelunkers alike. The 27,000-year-old tunnel is a short hike, so you don’t have to worry about being an experienced hiker, but you should know to heed caution if you don’t do well in tight spaces, since the journey into the cave itself might not be an enjoyable experience.

There’s so much to do beyond visiting this iconic spot, such as the 600-foot booming Kelso Sand Dunes about 20 miles from the tube hike. Revel in the diverse flora and fauna all around the area, where desert tortoises, bighorn sheep, and kit foxes roam and desert spring wildflowers blossom.

Leading up to the skylit cavern is a short hike along a dusty trailhead. It’s advised to use a high-clearance vehicle due to the rough, narrow terrain. Other than that, the hike is about 10 minutes with an estimated 59 feet of elevation gain. The lava tube itself is roughly 50 feet long, and the cave stretches up to 10 feet. Keep in mind that you’ll need to crawl for about six feet under a low-hanging section until you reach the lava tube cave, and you’ll want to bring a flashlight for safe and proper underground exploration. You can enjoy this underrated gem all year with family, children, and pet friends. It's important to note, however, that the tube trail is not ADA accessible. 

If you’re looking for adventure outside of the bustling city of Las Vegas, the good news is that this is only two hours out from the city, so this could be a great way to escape for a day. You don't need to book a reservation, and the trail is open year-round. Happy exploring!