At Lava River Cave, the cave experience is built around a mile-long lava tube with dark passages, rougher footing, and a volcanic cave feel that has very little in common with a classic limestone show cave.
Most visitors stop in Flagstaff for fuel, food, or lodging before or after visiting Lava River Cave.
The History & Geology
Lava River Cave was discovered around 1915 by lumbermen working for the Saginaw and Manistee Lumber Company.
The cave is Arizona's longest lava tube at about one mile and it formed roughly 650,000 to 700,000 years ago from molten lava associated with the Hart Prairie volcanic area.
Temperatures inside the cave generally stay between about 35 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why the packing list should stay focused on warmth and lighting even in summer.