Best Lava Tubes to Explore in the US
Lava tubes are a type of cave created by molten volcanic lava. For that reason these caves are found in areas of past or present volcanism. Hawaii has many lava tubes to explore as it’s one of the most active volcanic lands on the planet. The western states, which have hundreds of volcanoes and cinder cones created by subduction of tectonic plates, are also home to lava tubes.
Lava tube at Craters of the Moon
Unlike caverns with big rooms which are formed by rock dissolving underground, these lava tubes are typically shaped more like subway tunnels that meander downhill. Liquid lava flowing through lava rock that has already cooled and solidified creates these dark passageways. After the lava stops flowing, we are left with long tubes to explore.
Lighted path at Lava Beds National Monument
Several of the lava tubes listed below have lights and high ceilings so they are safe to walk through without any gear (other than a jacket). Some of the caves are comfortably cool while others are downright cold like ice boxes. The remote unimproved tubes have many places to roll ankles, scrape shins, and bash heads. Before exploring remote lava tubes make sure you are prepared.
Here’s a list of things to pack for caving.
Valley of Fires Recreation Area
List of the Best Lava Tubes in America
1. Flagstaff Lava River Cave, Arizona
2. Lava Beds National Monument, California
3. Pluto’s Cave, California
4. Mojave Lava Tube in Mojave National Preserve, California
5. Thurston Lava Tube at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
6. Bear Trap Lava Tube at Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho
7. El Malpais National Monument Lava Tubes, New Mexico
8. Valley of Fires Recreation Area, New Mexico
9. Lava River Cave at Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Oregon
10. Saddle Butte Lava Tube, Oregon
11. Ape Cave, Washington
12. Guler Ice Cave, Washington
Tube entrance in Hawaii
Rays shining into the Mojave Lava Tube