This mile-long lava tube cave was formed roughly 700,000 years ago by molten rock that erupted from a volcanic vent in nearby Hart Prairie.
The top, sides and bottom of the flow cooled and solidified first, after which the insides of the lava river [photo] The mouth of Lava River Cave continued to flow emptying out the present cave.
Ample evidence of how the tube was born is written in the rocks of which it is formed. Small wave-like undulations in the floor are the remains of ripples frozen in the last trickle of molten rock that flowed from the cave.
Stone icicles hanging from the ceiling show where a final blast of volcanic heat caused the rock to partially re-liquefy and drip.
Dress appropriately when you come to visit, with warm clothes and sturdy shoes.
The cave is as cool as 42° even in summer, and you may even find some ice inside.
The rocks are always sharp and slippery, too.
Bring two or three sources of light, in case one happens to fail, it can be very dark one mile from the nearest light source.
You can visit Lava River Cave the year-round though you may need to ski to it in winter. Temperatures inside the cave remain roughly the same summer and winter. (between 35° and 45° Fahrenheit).
The Lava River Cave is just a short drive from your lodging at the Sheridan House Inn Bed and Breakfast.
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
The Kaibab National Forest sits on the north and south rims of the Grand Canyon, its two halves forever separated by the mile-deep ravine. This split personality is reflected in the forest's seemingly improbable juxtaposition of terrain. The lower desert areas of the North Kaibab differ drastically from the alpine slopes of Kendrick's Peak in the South Kaibab. Rolling fields of pinyon-juniper give way to the striking symmetry of aspen groves and lush pine forests.
The Kaibab Plateau is an"island" of forested land surrounded by a sea of sage and grasslands. "Kaibab" is a Paiute Indian word that translates to "mountain lying down." Most of the plateau was set aside in 1893 as part of the Grand Canyon Forest Reserve. In 1908, the Forest Reserve north of the Grand Canyon was renamed the Kaibab National Forest. In 1934, the Tusayan National Forest south of the Grand Canyon was consolidated into the Kaibab National Forest. Numerous hiking trails twist around Bill Williams Mountain and trail maps are readily available at our local Forest Service Office.
The Kaibab National Forest offers a variety of rewarding and challenging trails for day hikes or extended backpacking trips. Hikers and riders will find solitude, wildlife viewing and scenic views aplenty throughout all three districts on the forest.
The terrain on the South Kaibab is mostly gentle with a few scattered mountains and hills. Much of the terrain is in the 7,000-foot elevation range and ponderosa pine is the dominant cover. Poisonous snakes are occasionally encountered among the pines and pinyon-junipers, and black bears are occasionally seen at higher elevations around Bill Williams, Kendrick, and Sitgreaves Mountains. Although one should always be careful in the back country, the environment on the Tusayan District poses few hazards to hikers. The terrain is gentle and rolling, for the most part, and the vegetation is open and park-like with very little underbrush to hinder travel or get in your way when you get a chance to see some of the abundant wildlife. Short day trips are the most popular way to hike this district, since opportunities for overnight backpack trips are limited by the lack of an extensive trail system and the scarcity of sources of potable water; still, this is an excellent place to enjoy quiet, secluded cross-country travel or hiking on old roads that are seldom traveled.
After your hike you will be glad you are staying at the Sheridan House Inn B&B Arizona's finest lodging.
Buckskinner Trail #130 Clover Spring Loop #46 City of Williams Link Trail #124
Bill Williams Mountain Trail Trail #13
Bixler Saddle Trail #72
Davenport Hill Trail Trail #9
Kaibab Lake is a pleasant place to spend a few hours or a few days, and it's located just a couple of miles outside the town of Williams in the Williams Ranger District.
The lake is stocked with rainbow trout as well as brown and brook trout. Channel cats are occasionally stocked too.
The area around the campground offers some bragging-size sightseeing as well. For one thing, the Grand Canyon is just 60 miles away. In addition, a number of forest attractions are easily accessible from your campsite, including the Spring Valley and Historic Route 66 scenic drives.
Location:
About 4 miles east and north of Williams.
Elevation:
6795 feet
Season of Use:
May - October, or as weather permits road access. Fishing year-round.
Access/Road Conditions:
Two miles east of Williams on I-40, take exit 165. Go north 1 mile on AZ 64 to the campground entrance on the west side of the highway. These are paved roads, but are sometimes closed by snow in winter.
Facilities: There are 70 campsites with fire rings and picnic tables (fee for camping). Vault toilets and water faucets are scattered throughout the campground. There is a paved boat-launch area. Water is not available during winter months. Power boats are limited to single electric motors or single gasoline engines of 8 HP or less. A wheelchair accessible composting toilet, open only during summer season, is adjacent to the boat ramp. A wheelchair accessible fishing pier is nearby.
