Ultimate Guide to The Lava Tube, California (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
We may have been compensated for this post. Please keep in mind that it affects you in no way financially. If an item is being reviewed, we are not obligated to give a positive review and always use our own words. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. If you would like a review done contact Dannelle at DannelleGay@gmail.com
Many people tend to associate volcanoes with tall, angular peaks, and it is believed that some of the most beautiful geological features stay hidden below the feet. One can find good proof of this theory at the Mojave National Preserve, where a trail leads to The Lava Tube. Entering the tube will give visitors a chance to experience a fantastic volcanic phenomenon. When you touch the walls, you will understand that the lava has cooled down and hardened to form the tunnel.
The Lava Tubes are not adequately maintained by the National Park Service. The Lava Tube has loose rocks strewn all over, and, at certain times, the ceiling is so low that it would require crawling.
History of Lava Tube
The Mojave National Preserve has an extensive history of volcanic activity. Almost 7.6 million years have passed since the first cinder cones burst upwards from the crust of the Earth, and the lava continued to flow till about 10,000 years ago.
The Lava Tube got formed when then molten basaltic lava flowed across the landscape, oozing in an upward direction spreading everywhere like molten butter. The top of the lava hardened as it gradually cooled down, but it continued to move beneath, carving tunnels along the way. After the volcanic eruption altogether ceased, the lava flowed out of the end of a tunnel and left a hollow tube behind.
Geological Cave Formations
The Lava Tube at the Mojave National Preserve is small, and there are no unique geological formations here. However, inside, you can look out for evidence of multiple flows. There are many places where one can see layers of fresh lava on the lower walls. One can even see fresh layers of lava splatter over the ceilings.
Wildlife
The most common organisms that one will find in the Lava Tubes are the Troglobites. These organisms spend their entire lives underground, and they are adapted to live in complete darkness. The Troglobites include various species of crayfish, fish, salamander, insects, and spiders. When you are visiting the Lava Tube, do take care not to disturb their natural habitat.
Is Lava Tube Haunted?
There is not enough reports or evidence to suggest that this lava tube in the Mojave National Preserve is haunted.
How Big is Lava Tube?
It is 500 ft in length and has a height of 3 ft, and the width of the cave is about 10 ft.
Lava Tube Tours
The National Park Service does not conduct any tours for the Lava Tube, and you can explore it on your own. When you reach the entrance, you will find that there are two holes – one big and the other is small. These are areas through the light passes, and it also proves that you are walking right above the Lava Tube!
The entrance to the tube is after the 2nd hole, and it has as many as 16 steps so that you can easily descend. The stairs are a bit steep and look old, but they are not scary at all. You must bring a flashlight as this would be the only light source for you for some time. As soon as you enter, you will come across the small area that you need to go under. It is not long and scary, but you need to stay low to get through this.
When you get into the main cavern, you will be welcomed with a fantastic view as the light falls beautifully on the cave floor through the narrow opening. The sight is so beautiful that you would love to stand there for countless hours and take pictures. After you cross this area, you will see the end of the cave and another beam of light, albeit not as beautiful as the previous one.
When you have taken pictures to your heart’s content, you can head out of the entrance and make your way to your car. We suggest that you always make a conscious effort to keep the area clean and beautiful as the Lava Tube needs and should be given protection.
Tour Prices and Discounts
National Park Service does not offer any tour of the Lava Tube.
Is Lava Tube Cold?
The inside of the tube has an average temperature of 46 degrees F, and it is cooler than the outside temperature. You can carry a light jacket in case you feel the cold quickly.
What to Wear?
It is important to dress appropriately if you are keen to explore on your own. Visitors generally wear shorts and T-shirts and a pair of good shoes as you will have to walk a lot.
Lava Tube Hours
It is accessible from dawn to dusk.
What to Do (Beside Tours)
Apart from exploring the Lava Tube on your own, there is nothing much to do here. So you can get in your car and get back on the road after you have finished exploring. However, if you have time, you can check out Kelso Dunes, which is around 50 min away from this location.
Best Time to Visit
Summer in the Mojave Preserve is excruciatingly hot. It would be best to visit in the shoulder season, but the cave will be much cooler than the outside air. As for the time, try to visit Mojave Lava Tube as close to the high noon as possible when the high is directly above the opening.
The image of the light from the sun coming through the opening in the form of a light beam is truly magical and cannot be forgotten in a hurry.
How to Get to Lava Tube
If you are driving from California to Las Vegas and have time for a stop, it should be at the Lava Tube in Mojave National Preserve. The Lava Tube sits in the dry and dusty region of the National Preserve and is just 2 hours drive from Las Vegas. To reach the Lava Tube from the Mojave Preserve, you need to drive 40 minutes off the Interstate and 5 miles down a dusty road until you reach the Lava Tube trail.
Most sedans and rental vehicles would be able to access the dirt road if it is dry, although the ride would be a bumpy one. However, if it has rained in the area, the road can be muddy, and even 4WD vehicles would find it hard to pass through.
Aiken Mine Road can be hard to make out, and there is no coverage for cell phones. So it makes sense to download the map beforehand. There is a word of caution; it will be tempting to drive fast on the lonely desert roads, but you should slow down as lots of tortoises cross the roads, and you should give them safe passage.
The Lava Tube is 1/10th of a mile from the road, and there would be a single metal post showing you the way. You need to follow the path until you reach a ground hole with a ladder attached to it.
Hotels near Lava Tube
Mojave National Preserve has a couple of designated campgrounds – Mid Hills and Hole-in-the-Wall, and there are also lots of roadside camping facilities. The other option is to continue to Las Vegas, which is 2 hours away, and or stay in the small town of Baker, which is near the entrance of Mojave National Preserve.
Visiting Lava Tube
Do you need more information before visiting? Call (760) 252-6100 for an information packet.
Other Articles You May Enjoy:
- Ultimate Guide to Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area, Texas (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
- Ultimate Guide to Lava Beds National Monument, California (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
- Ultimate Guide to Eagle Cave, Wisconsin (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
- Ultimate Guide to Robinson’s Ice Caves, Minnesota (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
- Ultimate Guide to Natural Bridge Caverns, Texas (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
