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All 51 Flagstaff Attractions »

Lava River Cave

Coconino Naional Forest, Flagstaff, AZ
Ranked #4 of 36 attractions in Flagstaff
4.5 of 5 stars 33 Reviews
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas, Caverns/ Caves
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33 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    26
    5
    1
    0
    1
Date Rating
Scottsdale, Arizona
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2012 NEW

We have heard about the lava cave for a couple of years now and finally made the trip. It was great! Not very far out of flagstaff, a nice drive down a dirt road to give the teens a chance behind the wheel without hitting anything. Cave was very nice and cool for a warm day. Entrance is a little... More

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See 2 more reviews by kurtalcazar for Flagstaff
Scottsdale, Arizona
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2012

We saw this advertisement while searching or something to do for a short road trip, and would definitely recommend it for people of all ages. We used the directions and advice from other peoples reviews, and brought headlamps, a spare flashlight, sturdyvshoes,and a light jacket. It wasn't as cold as some people made it sound, but there was ice near... More

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Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We were in Flagstaff for 2 days with my son and his wife and my son found this. This was really a different experience. It takes a little courage to get going, my wife and daughter-in law wouldn't do it. But, a couple with 3 small children were able to do it with a little patience in coaxing the kids... More

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See 9 more reviews by bankscottage for Flagstaff
Cornville, Arizona
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2012

We visited the Lava River Cave and decended into it's depths. I had my reservations, but I am not someone who likes to go down in dark holes in the ground! The initial descent was dangerous in my opinion...huge boulders to climb over, slippery with dripping water, in the dark. Bring several huge flashlights and extra batteries. I actually fell... More

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See 3 more reviews by DesertDiva11455 for Flagstaff
boston
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We picked up a flyer at the tourist office (the train station) in Flagstaff. According to that, the coldest spot is right at the beginning at 35F, therefore be careful of the ice right inside the mouth. It is extremely dark, bring multiple light sources, and a head lamp helps because it keeps your hands free. We bought one that... More

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Sedona, Arizona
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2012

Its great in the summer when its hot out. If possible stay away from weekends. Can get really crowded. We brought our big coleman lantern and head lamps. you want 2 or more lights More

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See 2 more reviews by dntgroff for Flagstaff
Flagstaff, Arizona
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 23, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This cave was a lot of fun. Be careful of the ice though. It took us about 2 hours to do, and we took lots of pictures. I recommend using a headlamp, We just had a handheld flashlight, which worked fine but it would have been nice to have our hands free. More

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See 3 more reviews by cnd423 for Flagstaff
school
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 15, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We went in, but not too far... Remember to bring jackets, flashlights and sturdy shoes.... It is DARK ! More

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See 7 more reviews by yeeteacher for Flagstaff
Phoenix, Arizona
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 13, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This was one of the most fun activities our family has done in Flagstaff. We've hiked and visited many sites in the area, but the lava river cave had just the right touch of fun and adventure for us. This is not a developed, guided tour kind of cave. This is a get down on your hands and knees while... More

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See 4 more reviews by Klauswife for Flagstaff
Newark, New Jersey
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 11, 2012
2
people found this review helpful

Thank you for the best adventure my boys had. I'm glad one of the reviewers posted clear directions to this site, because it is quite far from the main road. When you get to the parking area ( it is not marked at all), follow the trail made up of rocks on both sides of the path until you reach... More

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