Friday, September 2, 2011

Lava River Cave

Just north and west of Flagstaff a little ways is what appears to be a pile of rocks in the middle of the forest.


But a closer look reveals the entrance to a lava tube, almost one mile long!


Supposedly, after you go down through this hole, the tube levels out. I had my doubts, but was willing to try it.


You have got to be kidding!!!! I am not a good boulder hopper. And don't tell me that hiking poles would have helped - I did most of it on my butt.


It did sort of level out after a while - the rocks were horizontal instead of vertical, but it was still rock-hopping, and the rocks were either wet or sandy, either way it was slippery. And the ceiling was low, so in addition to watching your feet, you had to watch your head.


Needless to say, it wasn't long before I gave up.


The water drops on the ceiling were kind of nice.


Did I mention you had to watch your head? To late, I read that you should wear a hard hat - like I have one of those lying around...

If you like a challenge, or would just like to read more about the cave, and get directions to it, click here.

19 comments:

  1. It does sound interesting, but after this post, I think I would give it a pass:)

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  2. A picture of the outside will suffice for us. Sure hope the head is okay. Head wounds bleed so much it's scary.

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  3. I know I would have given up to. I dont have the desire [or the courage] to go pot holeing.

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  4. You guys are tough ~ sorry for the boo boo.
    Have fun
    Donna

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  5. I chickened out from doing the same thing last summer at Craters of the Moon NM in Idaho. I'm not a good rock hopper either.

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  6. Appreciate the warning; don't much care for confined places ... and watching my footing, I'm bound to get a hit on the noggin.

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  7. You are so bold! What an experience.

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  8. Well y'all proved one thing he ain't hard headed. I hope it heals good and leaves a big braggin' scare. LOL Great post enjoued the post.
    Dan

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  9. Yikes! Not my kind of hike. Poor Phil, but he's still smiling.

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  10. Ooops! Looks like a good bump on the head. Ouch!
    I had never heard about lava tubes until this post. Blogging is certainly a learning experience!! It does look like some rough terrain but very interesting!!

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  11. OUCH! I hope its ot to bad.
    That cave didn't look that big until Phil was standing in front of it. I don't do caves of any size. But it looks like you all had a good time.

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  12. Looks like Philds head got a bo-bo. Only 160 days of school left and retirement! Trying to sell house now. Hope to see you on the road!
    Rita Norvell

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  13. OH that smarts!
    I've visited a few caves that have guided tours--and alghtough its quite interesting..IM a chicken when it comes to tight places--

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  14. OMG! I can't believe you were brave enough to go in. Appreciated looking at it via pictures, thus alleviating any insane desire to see for myself.
    Clearly, Phil is a good sport.

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  15. As you entered, I thought, Oh my, she is brave. Claustrophobia set in just looking at the photos. Diana thank you for your warm comments over at A Camp Host's Meanderings. Levonne

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  16. Looks like Phil got some sense knocked into him. That must have gotten his attention. :c0

    As usual, another unusual place you've discovered. I'm seeing a TV show with you as the star on the Travel Channel in the near future. ;c)

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  17. Oh my aching head!!!!!
    But I think I would have felt very closed in before very far and then it would have been back to the opening. I don't like caves unless they are all lite up and nice paths have been made for walking.

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  18. Oh wow there is no way I would have gone down in that thing anyways LOL

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  19. I got about five feet into a lava tube at Craters of the Moon and totally wussed out. On geology field camp, no less...the irony! Brava!

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