Cave Pictures...Lava Tubes.

[CaptainMorgan]

Been down this one a few times, this is the first time I took the camera. It is a good little hike as it is about 8000ft in elvation and the air gets real thin down in there. Good fun and we made it all the way to the ending which is always nice. Some places the roof is 30ft high and others it is little more than 3-4ft.
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j48/Jeepinyahoo/IMGP0922.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j48/Jeepinyahoo/IMGP0925.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j48/Jeepinyahoo/IMGP0928.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j48/Jeepinyahoo/IMGP0929.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j48/Jeepinyahoo/IMGP0936.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j48/Jeepinyahoo/IMGP0949.jpg

[Cave Gimp]

Nice pics, but where are your helmets? :eek:

To get better pics in a cave you really need a slave flash to put out enough light. But still good pics. I haven't been up there in a few years, I might need to take my little one there. It would be a good cave for her once she is walking. :)

[WalterD]

The last time we were there, me an my son about 1.5 years ago, there was a huge chunk of ice at the entrance. Went from top to bottom, about 8' tall and about 2' in diameter.

[offroadaz]

does the end of that tube still smell like a toilet?

[CaptainMorgan]

No, it smells more like a movie theater now...I thought it was wierd.

In the winter the entrance gets really icy for sure.

[Cronoh]

Where is this place?! Where can I get some info on it?

[CaptainMorgan]

I think it is called Lava River Cave. You can get some info on Google. It is off highway 180, take FR245 just a few miles past the snowbowl turn-off. Once on the dirt road there ar signs leading you to the cave. Bring good shoes, flashlights and extra batteries.

[Cronoh]

Awesome, do you know of any other places like this, caves or some other cool stuff, hidden around in Arizona? Preferably where u need a jeep or something to get to them too, then less people have been there? ;p

[CaptainMorgan]

I don't know of any other caves, to find tons of cool stuff in AZ just load up your jeep and go exploring.

[pennstater]

That looks awesome! Any bats or other critters inside?

[CaptainMorgan]

nope, no critters. I think it is too cold.

[Digger]

Cool, and you have more nerve than I do. I go exploring AZ just about every weekend, I love to see and find what is in the ground (metal detect, rock hound, fossils, gold panning, etc.) but have a thing about actually going under the ground.

[WalterD]

I think it is called Lava River Cave. You can get some info on Google. It is off highway 180, take FR245 just a few miles past the snowbowl turn-off. Once on the dirt road there ar signs leading you to the cave. Bring good shoes, flashlights and extra batteries.

The turn off is 7 miles past Snowbowl turnoff. Headlamps come in real handy. That way you can hang on. It gets pretty slippery. I will post some pics of ours if I cn find them.

[BRNZY]

I went there a few months ago .... I am not as agile as I used to be anc came out of there pretty exhausted. If you are not paying attention, you will find yourself with a split open forehead. Its best to go with someone and take acouple of flashlights (preferrrably ones that attach to a hat to keep your hands free). It is so dark in there, the light just gets swallowed up. I have seen people taking really young kids down into this and the kids had flip flops on (not a good idea). I honestly feel that the kids should be no less than about 10 years old or so and somewhat able to climb around on thier own. It is really a tough place to be if one has to constantly assist another. It is a very "cool" place, but can be quite a workout.

[jeepcj5nut]

Haven't been there but I hear it's a great destination in the SUMMER time!!!

Info: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/lava-river-cave.shtml

Shawn

[Cave Gimp]

OK as the resident Jeeper Caver I have to respond again.
First follow the link Shawn posted to find the cave and good info. It is on NFS land so access is easy, I made it there the first time in my little Neon.
Second, gear. Just like you wouldn't do H2H open/open on 31's you need the proper gear. 3 sources of light per person, helmets (with one of those lights mounted to the helmet), sturdy shoes/boots, it is cold, 32 all year round at the entrance, upper 30's low 40's in the rest of the cave so dress warm. Gloves and kneepads are recommended. Helmet, and if I didn't mention it, wear a helmet.
Third, tell people where you are going and when to expect you back.
Fourth, pack out everything you pack in, I mean EVERYTHING. If you will have to pee, bring a bottle to collect it in so the cave doesn't smell for months on end.


I will have to totally disagree with Burnsy on the minimum age of 10. I have seen a 4 year old cave circles around me in this cave and others. As long as they can walk, and can listen, and have the right gear, like a helmet, they will be fine. I have taken large groups of younger kids into harder caves with no problems.

If anyone is interested in caving or going to more caves PM me. I got into Jeeps to get me to the caves. :) Also I can give you recomendations on gear like helmets and lights. Need to borrow a few helmets, PM me.

Its a pain to clean blood from the cave ceilings.