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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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67 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013 NEW via mobile

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

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Boston, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
72 reviews 72 reviews
23 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
35 helpful votes 35 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 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 2
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
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 April 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 1
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 5 March 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 7 February 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
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 January 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 7
See 9 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
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 November 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 3
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
43 helpful votes 43 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 November 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 3
Top Contributor
56 reviews 56 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 October 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.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 8 more reviews by Morales0512 for Flagstaff
Wodonga, Australia
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 October 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... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
See 3 more reviews by Yackandandah for Flagstaff

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