Lava Tubes in California

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Explore a Volcanic Wonderland of Tunnels at Lava Beds National Monument

What is Lava Beds National Monument?
- Lava Beds National Monument is the number one spot for lava tubes in California, attracting tens of thousands of visitors per year.
Where is Lava Beds National Monument located?
- The monument is located in northern California, near the border with Oregon.
How many lava tubes are at Lava Beds National Monument?
- There are more than 700 lava tubes at this location, making it a premier site for cave exploration.
Can visitors explore all the lava tubes?
- While visitors cannot explore every single tube, at least 20 of the most-developed lava tubes are usually open for exploration throughout the year.
Are guided tours available?
- Yes, guided tours can be reserved to help visitors learn more about the cave systems.
What are the easiest lava tubes to explore?
- The easiest lava tubes to explore include:
  - Big Painted
  - Mushpot
  - Sentinel
  - Heppe
Which lava tubes are more challenging?
- More challenging caves, such as Labyrinth and Lava Brook, may require crawling and a certain level of physical fitness.
Where can visitors learn more about the lava tubes?
- All guests are encouraged to visit the visitor center and speak with staff to learn more about the monument's unique features.
Where is Lava Beds National Monument located?
- 1 Indian Well Hqts, Tulelake, CA 96134, Phone: 530-667-8100

Hike and Descend Into Hidden Depths at Pisgah Lava Tubes

Where are the Pisgah Lava Tubes located?
- The Pisgah Lava Tubes are found at the Pisgah Crater in Southern California.
How many lava tubes are in the Pisgah Crater area?
- There are multiple lava tubes in this area, offering unique cave exploration opportunities.
What is the largest lava tube in this area?
- The largest and best-known lava tube in the Pisgah Crater area is SPJ Cave, which runs for approximately 1,300 feet.
Are there staff or guides available on-site?
- No, there are no staff or guided tours available at this location, so visitors must explore on their own.
Is Pisgah Crater a heavily visited site?
- Unlike Lava Beds National Monument, this site is less frequently visited, meaning visitors may have the area largely to themselves on quieter days.

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If You’re New to Lava Tubes, Start With the Easy-to-Access Subway Cave

Where is Subway Cave located?
- Subway Cave is located in Lassen National Forest in northern California, not far from Lava Beds National Monument.
How long is Subway Cave?
- Subway Cave is a large, open lava tube that runs for approximately 1/3 of a mile.
What makes Subway Cave a popular attraction?
- The cave features a bumpy floor and unique rock formations, making it a must-visit for lava tube enthusiasts in California.
Are guided tours available at Subway Cave?
- Yes, guided tours are available at this location during the summer months.
Where is Subway Cave located?
- Old Station, CA 96071, Phone: 530-336-5521

Discover Desert Lava Formations at the Mojave’s Hidden Lava Tube

What is The Lava Tube at Mojave National Preserve?
- The Lava Tube at Mojave National Preserve is one of the smallest and easiest-to-miss lava tubes in California, but it is a must-visit for caving enthusiasts.
Why is this lava tube unique?
- The tube is known for its stunning ray of light that shines down into the cave, creating a breathtaking visual effect.
Is The Lava Tube at Mojave National Preserve easy to access?
- Yes, the tube has a full stairway installed and a nice flat floor, making it accessible for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.
What makes the lighting effect inside the lava tube special?
- Due to the way the cave was formed, sunlight enters through an opening, casting a dramatic and ethereal glow inside the tube.

If You’re Planning a Tube Trek, Read These Must-Know Tips for California Lava Tube Exploration

What should I keep in mind when exploring lava tubes in California?
- When planning a lava tube expedition in California, there are several important factors to consider to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What is the temperature like inside lava tubes?
- Even on sunny days with 90-degree weather, the air inside the caves remains cold. Temperatures rarely exceed 40°F, so packing coats and layered clothing is essential to stay warm.
What type of footwear should I wear?
- Strong footwear is crucial, as the caves often have slippery surfaces.
Is protective clothing recommended?
- Yes, visitors may need to bend down or even crawl in certain areas, so wearing jeans and jackets can help prevent scrapes or cuts on the rocky walls and floors.
Should I bring a flashlight?
- Absolutely! It can get very dark inside a lava tube, so bringing a flashlight is essential for visibility and safety.

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