Filing this post under the “my job is the COOLEST” category. I never thought I’d participate in a TV interview underground and in a cave… but here we are!
I was able to spend some on-the-clock time earlier this week exploring a really cool destination on my forest that I’ve been meaning to check out forever: the Lava River Cave.
The Lava River Cave is a 2-mile out-and-back trail that runs through an old lava flow located underground, just outside of Flagstaff.
The cave is 1 mile long (so, 1 mile to the end, and 1 mile back to the entrance) and is only accessible via a well-marked hole in the ground.
After scrambling down some jagged and slippery rocks, you’re completely surrounded by a hardened lava tube…
..and complete darkness.
Our local tourism department was working with a Phoenix TV outlet on a series of stories centering around Flagstaff, and was interested in featuring the Lava River Cave in one of those stories.
I worked with the tourism department’s rep, as well as the Phoenix TV outlet’s reporter, to coordinate a site visit.
My boss and I helped the reporter shuttle equipment down into the cave (including lights — so many lights) and we hiked about half a mile back into the cave to set up for filming.
We spent about 90 minutes down in the cave. The reporter got some drone footage, and interviewed me to learn more about the cave, its history and all the other information visitors need to know.
The Lava River Cave was formed about 700,000 years ago following a volcanic eruption in nearby Hart Prairie. The sides and ceiling cooled while the lava flow continued, eventually leading to this underground tunnel.
Because it’s underground, it usually remains between 35 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit inside. I brought my trusty puffer jacket along with me, and after a while, my fingertips started going numb. I could see my breath inside the cave, even though we were experiencing a steamy summer August day outside!
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I didn’t take too many photos because I was here on a work assignment (and also it was so dark) but photos wouldn’t do this place justice anyway.
This hike was pretty tricky! Several parts of the cave have low ceilings and narrow passageways. It’s damp and slippery, and it was a bit of a challenge to hike over some areas full of loose rocks and debris.
I haven’t been spelunking since my crystal cave adventure in the Peace Corps, so it was really cool to head underground and explore.
Would you venture down into the Lava River Cave?
Planning this trip, or something similar?
what to know before you go:
- Camping, campfires and dogs are not allowed inside Lava River Cave.
- Leave no trace! Pack out all of your trash and belongings.
- Bring two (if not three) sources of light. Wear or bring a warm jacket, and wear sturdy-soled shoes. Consider wearing a helmet or hard hat.
- Be cognizant of other hikers in the cave.
- There are often bats and other creatures inside Lava River Cave. Respect them and leave them alone.
My views are mine alone and don’t represent those of my employer, agency or the United States government. All photos were taken by me and/or credited photographer unless otherwise noted. You can read more on my disclosure and privacy policy page.
Recreate responsibly! Always hike safely and Leave No Trace. It is your responsibility to know which land management agency is responsible for the land you are recreating on, and for you to adhere to all rules, regulations, guidelines, camping and campfire restrictions set by said agency.
