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Lava River Cave: Traveler Reviews

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
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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
“A little intimidating at First but Unique”
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.

Visited October 2012
Was this review helpful? Yes 4
Ask kellygirl63 about Lava River Cave
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Top Contributor
60 reviews 60 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
“Great place for the adventuresome spirit”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 31, 2012

I loved this place so much. Recommend a coat though as it gets cold going under ground. Bring some good walking/ hiking shoes if possible as there is lots of lava rocks everywhere. You need to be a sure footed person.

Visited July 2012
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 8 more reviews by Morales0512 for Flagstaff
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Wodonga, Australia
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
“Take you time and enjoy!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 21, 2012

What a great hike, just remember, as others have said, bring you flashlight (or headlamp) and don't forget to make sure that your batteries are full!!

It does get cold in the cave, so a jacket is also a good idea - and please wear good boots!

Whilst you are on the walk, take your time and check out all the nooks and crannies, it is surprising what you will see; including a pack rat nest, some mineral deposits and unfortunately lots of trash (take yours out with you).

Also, watch for the wandering deer on the road in and out.

Have a great time!

Visited October 2012
Was this review helpful? Yes 4
See 3 more reviews by Yackandandah for Flagstaff
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Phoenix, Arizona
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Free and Fun..”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed October 16, 2012

You're in a cave. Bring your headlamp! Only about a mile and a half -- its a fun hike, beautiful surroundings (of course, you're in Flagstaff!). The inside of the cave remains roughly the same temperature year-round, i think around 40-50 degrees. Make sure you wear appropriate hiking type shoes as you will be hiking over a lot of jagged terrain/rocks.

Free and Fun. No complaints.

Visited August 2012
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 5 more reviews by marcusmartin for Flagstaff
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Houston, Texas
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
“Super easy and fun”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed September 17, 2012

Just about anyone can do this. Be prepared with headlamps and flashlights! You absolutely cannot see without them. The most difficult areas are going into the cave and at the very end of the cave as you really need to watch your steps. There was no one there when we got there and just a very few people coming in on our way out.

Visited August 2012
Was this review helpful? Yes 6
See 2 more reviews by cassadytl for Flagstaff
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