Lava River Cave (Arizona) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lava River Cave |
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Entrance to Lava River Cave
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| Location | Coconino National Forest, Coconino County, Arizona, U.S. |
| Length | 3,820 feet (1,160 m) |
| Access | Public |
Lava River Cave is a cool underground tunnel in northern Arizona. It's located in the Coconino National Forest. This cave is a special type called a lava tube.
At about 0.75-mile (1.21 km) long, it's the longest known lava tube in Arizona. Lumbermen found the cave in 1915. It was sometimes called "Government Cave" because of where it is. Today, anyone can visit Lava River Cave for free!
How the Cave Formed
Scientists think this cave formed a very long time ago. This was about 650,000 to 700,000 years ago. Hot, melted rock called lava burst out from a volcano in Hart Prairie.
As the lava flowed, its top, sides, and bottom cooled down. They became solid rock. But the lava in the middle kept flowing out. This left an empty space, forming the cave we see today. You can see different types of cooled lava inside.
Exploring the Cave
The cave is mostly dry inside. However, near the entrance, water often forms on the walls and floor. This happens because of temperature changes. It can make the ground very slippery, so be careful!
The temperature inside the cave is always around 40 °F (5 °C) in summer. Sometimes, you might even see ice on the rocks. The cave's height changes a lot. Some parts are as tall as 30 feet (9.1 m). Other parts are only 2 to 3 feet (0.61 to 0.91 m) high. This lower height is usually in a side passage.
There are no lights inside the cave at all. It's completely dark! So, if you visit, you'll need to bring your own light. It's a good idea to have more than one light source. Also, wear strong hiking boots and warm clothes.
Visiting the Cave
Lava River Cave is about 14 miles (23 km) west of Flagstaff. The United States Forest Service looks after the cave. It's open all year round.
However, the dirt roads leading to the cave can be tricky. They might be hard to drive on in winter. They can also be difficult when it's wet outside. There are no fees to enter or use the cave.
It's important to keep the cave clean. In the past, litter and graffiti were problems. In 1991, a big cleanup happened. Most of the trash was removed, and much of the graffiti was cleaned. Remember to take out everything you bring in. This helps keep the cave beautiful for everyone.
Images for kids
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Multiflash image of the interior of Lava River Cave, Arizona
