Explore Crystal Ice Cave, Lava Beds National Monument

Tulelake, California

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Distance

1 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Michael Fricke

Amazing ice cave with spectacular ice formations. Only accessed through ranger guided tour.

This adventure is only accessed through a ranger guided tour by the staff at Lava Beds National Monument. A reservation is needed, go to recreation.gov to make a reservation space is limited. You will meet at the visitor center. The ranger will take you to the cave. Don't try to find the cave on your own time, it is locked and you can't get in.

Once in this unique lava tube cave you will experience spectacular ice formations some taller than any human. You will learn about the history of lava beds and why ice forms in some caves and not others.

I highly recommend this tour even if you are not the type of adventurer that usually likes to be guided or toured around. It is a unique experience you will remember forever. While inside the cave you will completely forget that you are in California as it seems like whole new world down there.

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