Lava Beds National Monument
Overview
Lava Beds National Monument is a land of disorder. For over 400 millennia, volcanic activity has formed this landscape, creating a land with a rough and irregular surface. Not only is the land marked by the varied volcanic features, this scarred earth is dotted with Native American rock art sites, multiple campgrounds, historic battlefields, and stunning high desert wilderness. Explore the lava tube caves and tour the historical sites of the Modoc War sites to experience the rich history and geography that the park has to offer.
To learn more about Lava Beds National Monument, visit www.nps.gov.
Local Info
The Lava Bed's Visitor Center hours vary by season. Check the park's website for current hours of operation.
Fees & Passes:
To learn more about park fees, click here.Note: Due to its remote location, Lava Beds does not accept debit or credit cards.
Visiting Tips
Cave Loop Drive is closed to vehicles from 5 pm to 8 am, but you may still enter on foot or bicycle. Occasionally in winter, snow can temporarily close park roads until they are plowed.
Camping & Lodging
Free backcountry camping is also permitted. Restrictions are in place for camping near developed areas and caves. Fires are prohibited and no surface water is available. No groups of more than 12 individuals are permitted.
To learn about non-camping lodging options, visit the park's website.
Food & Drink
Outfitters, Tours, & Shuttles
In addition to tours, be sure to check out some of the caving events in the monument. You can find more about caving in the park by clicking here.
Other Activities
Maps & Guidebooks
Gems in Lava Beds National Monument - 1
Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Gems
Recommended Routes in Lava Beds National Monument - 2
Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Recommended Routes
Lava Beds National Monument Hiking
- 37 Miles 60 Kilometers of Trail
- 2 Recommended Routes
- 1 Gem
- 31
Easy Trails
- 13
Intermediate Trails
- 0
Difficult Trails
Weather Averages
High
|
Low
|
Precip
|
Days w/
|
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Trails in Lava Beds National Monument - 42
Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Trails
0.9
mi
1.5
km
#1Symbol Bridge Trail
Tulelake, CA
|
Tulelake, CA |
1
|
||
0.7
mi
1.1
km
#2Missing Link Trail
Tulelake, CA
|
Tulelake, CA |
2
|
||
1.2
mi
1.9
km
#3Bunchgrass Trail
Tulelake, CA
|
Tulelake, CA |
2
|
||
0.5
mi
0.7
km
#4Heppe Cave Trail
Tulelake, CA
|
Tulelake, CA |
1
|
||
0.1
mi
0.1
km
#5Mammoth Crater Trail
Tulelake, CA
|
Tulelake, CA |
1
|
||
2.1
mi
3.3
km
#6Big Nasty Trail
Tulelake, CA
|
Tulelake, CA |
3
|
||
0.2
mi
0.3
km
#7Hidden Valley Trail
Tulelake, CA
|
Tulelake, CA |
1
|
||
0.2
mi
0.3
km
#8Boulevard and Balcony Caves Trail
Tulelake, CA
|
Tulelake, CA |
1
|
||
10.0
mi
16.0
km
#9Lyons Trail
Tulelake, CA
|
Tulelake, CA |
2
|
||
0.1
mi
0.2
km
#10Hospital Rock Trail
Tulelake, CA
|
Tulelake, CA |
1
|
Photos of Lava Beds National Monument - 42
Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Photos