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Lava River Cave

Coconino Naional Forest, Flagstaff, AZ
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Ranked #4 of 40 attractions in Flagstaff
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas, Caverns/ Caves
24 visitor photos
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69 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    52
    14
    2
    0
    1
Date Rating
Denver
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
34 helpful votes 34 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 15, 2013 NEW

Took my wife and kis (9&7). Not too hard to find - about 5 miles off the main road aNd set back a short way in the woods. Pretty cold (there was ice in some places) so wear jeans and jacket and hiking shoes or sneakers. The adit is quite rocky with clamboring. Then after about quarter of a mile... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Long Island City, New York
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 8, 2013

First of all, be aware that your car WILL GET DIRTY driving through the woods to where the lava cave is, but it is certainly worth it! Since it is cool down (I mean DOWN) in the cave, wear a jacket/sweatshirt and shoes that have traction since you are walking/climbing on large rocks. You definitely need flashlights for each person... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013 via mobile

Great little underground adventure for all ages! Bring flashlights and dress accordingly!! So fun and free! :)

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Boston, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
75 reviews 75 reviews
23 attraction reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
42 helpful votes 42 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 3, 2013

There are not many places like this on earth where one can walk easily into a nearly mile long lave tube and the amazing thing is that this attraction is yes, FREE!! This was a cool adventure for the entire family as the two teenage boys had already transited to the end of the tube and back before we made... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 5
See 3 more reviews by TravEng for Flagstaff
Chicago, Illinois
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 6, 2013 via mobile

We visited this attraction with our two teenage boys. The Mike long hike was fun and adventurous. You need sturdy footwear and LARGE flashlight. It was 60+degrees above and we needed jackets to stay warm. It is worth the effort for this free activity that provides some exercise and good family time.

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 3 more reviews by BDKChicago for Flagstaff
Seattle
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 5, 2013

This cave is awesome, and an easy hike that most everyone can enjoy. I was amazed at how deep the cave goes. Very interesting site!

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 4 more reviews by ochlo for Flagstaff
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 7, 2013

Mile hike under ground, bring a latern and strong flash lights. Wear a hard hat, in some areas the ceiling are very low.

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 2 more reviews by CliveHendricks for Flagstaff
Flagstaff, Arizona
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 21, 2013

Picture a toothpaste tube crimped on one end, and that's the Lava Cave. It is a 700,000 year old lava tube, about 3/4 of a mile long which basically allows you to walk inside a volcano. There's only one way in and one way out, so you can't get lost. You will need between 1 and 3 hours to fully... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 9
See 10 more reviews by HappyHiker0000 for Flagstaff
Flagstaff, AZ
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 21, 2012

This is an amazing cave hike. Climbing down over the icy rocks at the entrance is a bit gnarly, but then the floor of the cave is relatively flat. This is a great family hike. Typical of caves, it's about 55 degrees year round, so wear a jacket. And IMPORTANT; bring several flashlights with new batteries.

Was this review helpful? Yes 4
See 9 more reviews by sunteriors for Flagstaff
Worcester, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
120 reviews 120 reviews
33 attraction reviews
Reviews in 32 cities Reviews in 32 cities
45 helpful votes 45 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 9, 2012

So the road, if you can call it that, to get here is all dirt and dust. The entrance is small. Which makes it intimidating but once you get inside, which doesn't take long, it's a very unique experience. Be careful walking you could easily twist an angle.

Was this review helpful? Yes 4

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