Kartchner Caverns
Arizona, 70°F inside, from $30.00
A mile-long lava tube north of Flagstaff that you explore on your own. Bring two or three lights, warm clothes and sturdy shoes.
The story
According to the Forest Service, the tube formed about 700,000 years ago from lava erupted by a volcano in nearby Hart Prairie.
History source: fs.usda.gov.
Tickets and timing
- Hours
- Open year-round, day use only.
- Booking
- A recreation pass is required; buy one at the fee machines on site.
Getting around underground
- The walk
- About a mile of cave. In winter the forest roads usually close, adding a four-mile hike or ski each way.
Dogs, weather and what to wear
- Dogs
- No dogs or pets.
- Temperature
- 35–45°F / 2–7°C, summer and winter
Good to know
- On site
- vault toilets, fee machines
Getting there
Lava River Cave is in or near Flagstaff, AZ.
Directions in Google MapsDistances are straight-line from each city center.
Questions people ask
How cold is it inside Lava River Cave?
35–45°F / 2–7°C, summer and winter.
Are dogs allowed at Lava River Cave?
No dogs or pets.
Do you need to book Lava River Cave in advance?
A recreation pass is required; buy one at the fee machines on site.
Listed in: self-guided caves, lava tubes
Checked on 2026-10-23 against fs.usda.gov (Coconino National Forest). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.