Top 6 Caves in Coconino County

Coconino County offers a diverse range of subterranean experiences, primarily featuring ancient lava tubes and vast dry caverns. The Lava River Cave is a natural lava tube formed by volcanic activity, while the Grand Canyon Caverns are among the largest dry cave systems in the United States, formed within limestone.

In the Lava River Cave, you can observe both ʻAʻā and Pāhoehoe basaltic lava formations, as well as wave-like undulations on the floor from ancient molten rock flows. The Grand Canyon Caverns, being a dry cave, feature immense chambers and unique rock formations shaped by millions of years of geological processes, though stalagmites and stalactites are rare due to the lack of water.

The Lava River Cave offers a self-guided, rugged exploration experience, requiring visitors to bring their own light sources and navigate uneven terrain. It maintains a cool 40-45°F (5-7°C) year-round. In contrast, the Grand Canyon Caverns provide guided tours, accessed by an elevator 210 feet underground, making them more accessible and offering unique experiences like an underground hotel suite.

The difficulty varies significantly. The Lava River Cave is considered challenging, involving scrambling over boulders and navigating in complete darkness. It requires good physical condition. The Grand Canyon Caverns are much more accessible, with tours starting via an elevator, suitable for a wider range of visitors.

Yes, the Grand Canyon Caverns are considered family-friendly. The guided tours and elevator access make it suitable for most ages, offering an educational and awe-inspiring experience without the physical demands of more rugged caves.

For the Lava River Cave, it is essential to bring multiple sources of light (headlamps are highly recommended), sturdy hiking boots, and warm clothing, as the cave is completely dark and maintains a cool temperature. For the Grand Canyon Caverns, standard comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket are usually sufficient, as it's a guided tour in a controlled environment.

The Lava River Cave is generally open year-round, but dirt roads leading to it can be impassable in winter or wet weather. The cave maintains a cool temperature regardless of the season, making it a refreshing escape in summer. The Grand Canyon Caverns are also open year-round, with tours running regularly.

No permit or reservation is required for the self-guided exploration of the Lava River Cave, which is freely accessible to the public. For the Grand Canyon Caverns, you will need to purchase tickets for their guided tours.

Yes, the Overhang at Arizona Trail is a natural monument and viewpoint located just off the Arizona Trail, offering a unique natural feature for hikers in the area.

Coconino County offers various outdoor activities. Near the caves, you can find numerous hiking opportunities. For easy hikes, explore routes like the Horseshoe Bend Trail or the Rim Trail. For more challenging options, consider routes within the hiking guide for Coconino County, which includes trails like the Bright Angel Trail. There are also specific mountain hiking routes available.

The Grand Canyon Caverns were discovered in 1927 and formed within limestone that was once the bottom of an ancient inland sea over 65 million years ago. Tours explore millions of years of history, with ancient waterways, and even feature remains like a pre-historic sloth and a 19th-century bobcat. Its location on historic Route 66 also makes it a landmark for travelers.