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 Beds 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
Other Activities
Maps & Guidebooks
Gems in Lava Beds National Monument - 1
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Recommended Routes in Lava Beds National Monument - 2
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Lava Beds National Monument Running
- 35 Miles 56 Kilometers of Trail
- 2 Recommended Routes
- 1 Gem
- 31 Easy Trails
- 13 Intermediate Trails
- 0 Difficult Trails
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Trails in Lava Beds National Monument - 42
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0.0
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0.1
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#1Merrill Cave Trail
Tulelake, CA
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Tulelake, CA | 1 | ||
0.5
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0.7
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#2Heppe Cave Trail
Tulelake, CA
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Tulelake, CA | 1 | ||
0.0
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0.0
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#3Skull Cave Trail
Tulelake, CA
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Tulelake, CA | 1 | ||
0.1
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0.1
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#4Indian Well Cave Trail
Tulelake, CA
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Tulelake, CA | 1 | ||
0.9
mi
1.5
km
#5Symbol Bridge Trail
Tulelake, CA
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Tulelake, CA | 1 | ||
8.0
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12.8
km
#6Three Sisters Trail
Tulelake, CA
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Tulelake, CA | 3 | ||
3.6
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5.8
km
#7Whitney Butte Trail
Tulelake, CA
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Tulelake, CA | 2 | ||
10.0
mi
16.0
km
#8Lyons Trail
Tulelake, CA
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Tulelake, CA | 2 | ||
0.7
mi
1.2
km
#9Gillem Bluff Trail
Tulelake, CA
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Tulelake, CA | 2 | ||
1.2
mi
1.9
km
#10Bunchgrass Trail
Tulelake, CA
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Tulelake, CA | 2 |
Photos of Lava Beds National Monument - 43
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