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Things to do near me today: Sarasota, From Boston, OR, NC, From Houston, NJ, GAįirst of all, it's important to note that the lava tubes are unstaffed and have no admission fees or ticket-based entry. You are reading "Lava Tubes in Flagstaff, Arizona" Back to Top Graffiti has been an issue at the Flagstaff Lava Tubes but it’s vital for visitors to try and preserve the area for future generations. If you do decide to visit, however, be sure to respect the area and avoid leaving any litter behind or defacing the walls. Little unique lava rock formations can be found all along the passageway and it can be truly breathtaking to walk through the lava tubes and simply admire this unique feat of nature. It's also just one long cave, so there's no chance of you getting lost or accidentally taking a wrong turn anywhere. Families also like to investigate the Flagstaff Lava Tubes too and the cave runs for less than a mile, so you don't need to be too physically fit to see the whole thing. Naturally, anyone with an interest in geology or natural science will adore exploring this formation, as will any outdoor enthusiasts. It's a real natural marvel and the only example of a navigable lava tube in this part of America. The Flagstaff Lava Tubes are a 700,000 year old rock formation, created when lava flowed out through a volcanic vent and hardened over time, creating a unique cave system for people to explore. From there, turn left onto Forest Road 245 and follow it for a little while before turning left again onto Forest Road 171, which will lead you directly to the parking lot for the Flagstaff Lava Tubes.įun day trip ideas: Ohio, From San Francisco, From NYC, Texas, Florida Getting to the caves is very simple, with visitors simply needing to follow Highway 180 north up to mile marker 230. Managed by the United States Forest Service, the Lava Tunnels are open all year long but are sometimes inaccessible due to adverse weather conditions in the area that can lead to the surrounding dirt roads becoming muddy and impossible to drive along, meaning that they are usually closed through the winter months and any potential visitors will have to hike or ski to the entrance instead. The entrance can be found approximately 14 miles (23km) outside Flagstaff, so it's only a short drive from the city to the caves. Website: fs.usda.The Lava Tubes, also known as the Lava River Caves, are located in the Arizona's Coconino National Forest. Turn east (right) on FR 776.įor more info, contact: Coconino Nat’l Forest Supervisor’s Office, 1824 S. 89 about 7 miles north of Flagstaff Mall. To get there, drive northeast of Flagstaff on U.S.
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The Cinder Hills OHV Area is13 miles northeast of downtown Flagstaff, south of Sunset Crater/Wupatki National Monument. A “No Glass Container” policy is enforced in the Cinder Hills to help reduce the problem of broken glass and to provide a safe and healthy environment for all users.ĭeveloped camping is available at the nearby Bonito Campground where there are 44 single unit sites with tables, fire rings and cooking grills, paved roads and spurs, a campfire program auditorium, drinking water, toilets (flush type), one accessible campsite, barrier-free toilets and two educational sites. April to November are the most popular months for riding in the area.Īreas closed to off-highway vehicle travel include Sunset Crater National Monument and Strawberry Crater Wilderness. Certain forest routes within the Cinder Hills are restricted to licensed vehicles only for safety purposes. Occasional tall cinder-mountain hill climbs are challenging as well. There are miles and miles of tight, winding trails through the trees that get whooped out and challenge your suspension and endurance. The area is now graced with Ponderosa Pine and Aspen at higher elevations. Lava flowed across the area and also left behind deep deposits of volcanic cinders and ash. Cinder Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Ariz., consists of about 13,500 acres and offers riding opportunities on designated routes.Ĭinder Hills was created by active volcanoes as recently as a thousand years ago.