0-30 Minutes
Visit a Lava Tube
Mojave National Preserve
Come explore underground in a lava tube! Around 27,000 years ago, lava flowed across the surface here. As the red-hot liquid lava stream flowed, its top cooled in the air, blackening and solidifying like a freezing creek in wintertime. The liquid lava beneath continued to flow under the solid surface, which left behind this hollow tube: frozen in time.
Take an underground adventure into the lava tube! Just a short walk from the road brings you to this natural cave made of lava that cooled thousands of years ago. Enjoy some fascinating geologic formations and the beautiful contrast between light and dark inside. Sometimes during daylight hours you can see a bright sunbeam streaming through the multiple ceiling holes. The lava tube is often enjoyed by photographers, hikers, and adventurers of all ages. Please note that the road approaching it is rough, and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Tags
HikingCaves, Caverns and KarstGeologyRock Landscapes and FeaturesScenic ViewsVolcanoeslava tubegeologyvulcanismvolcanoesCaves
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Details
Duration
0-30 Minutes
Duration Details
The hike from the parking area to the lava tube takes 5-10 minutes, and the tube itself is only about 50 feet long. If visitors desire a longer trip, they are welcome to wander around anywhere they want in the volcano field. The whole area is congressionally designated wilderness, and pedestrian traffic is allowed to walk freely.
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility
The trail from the parking area to the lava tube is approximately 1/4 mile long and moderately difficult, since it progresses uphill and there are many large, loose boulders along the trail. To enter into the lava tube, visitors descend a wide, sturdy ladder with handrails, then progress further into the tube by walking on and between boulders. Visitors must stoop or crawl for a distance of about 6 feet to pass under a low section of the ceiling before entering the main room of the lava tube cave.
Pets
Yes — Pets must be on a six-foot leash at all times.
Reservations
No
Location
Lava Tube