Richard and Cora Hinkel hike in the lava tube in Flagstaff
Richard Hinkel
Richard and Cora Hinkel recently hiked the Lava Cave just outside of Flagstaff. It truly is a unique “walk in the dark” as the cave is one mile long (one way), unattended and unlit dead-end lava tube formed around 650,000 to 700,000 years ago by molten rock that erupted from a nearby volcanic vent. It’s in its natural state just as it was those thousands of years ago—pitch black after the light from the entrance disappears, which occurs quickly after entering. According to Forest Service geologists the top, sides and bottom of the flow cooled and solidified first, after which the insides of the lava river continued to flow emptying out the present cave all in a matter of a few hours.
The hike is relatively level once you get by the first 20 yards or so which angle downwards and is the most difficult part of the hike. There are some relatively flat areas but primarily just a lot of jumbled ancient rocks which can require careful foot placement. Although many of the rocks are flat they are also angled in numerous directions and some are slippery but all in all a fun hike. You can stand upright most of the way with only one short area where bending low is necessary. Dress warmly because even in the summer it can get quite cool – 50s and even 40s. At least two light sources (headlamp plus) and extra batteries/bulbs are a must. The trip will go better if you have a hands-free light source.
The cave, the longest of its kind in Arizona, is nature’s unaltered little gem for us to enjoy. It’s off of U.S. 180, roughly 20 minutes north of Flagstaff. Just past milepost 230 turn west on Frontage Road 245, unpaved and very bumpy, and follow three miles to F.R. 171 where signage will get you to the cave parking area. There is no mention of the cave on the F.R. 245 sign.