The Lava Tube sits in the Cima volcanic field in the northern part of Mojave National Preserve, where a metal ladder drops into a collapsed section of an old lava tube. Holes in the rock ceiling act as skylights, and on a sunny day they send shafts of light down into the chamber. Reaching it requires driving several miles of rough, unpaved Aiken Mine Road.
Details
- Type
- Cave
- Accessibility
- Limited accessibility
Overview
The tube formed in the lava flows of the Cima volcanic field, where fast-moving lava crusted over on the outside while molten rock kept flowing and draining beneath, leaving a hollow tube behind. Part of the roof later collapsed, opening the skylights that now light the interior. The chamber is small, with loose rocks underfoot and a ceiling that drops low enough in places to require crouching or crawling.
The light beams
When the sun is high and the sky is clear, light pours through the ceiling holes and lands on the floor as bright shafts. The effect is strongest around midday, and it fades or disappears under cloud cover, so a clear sky near noon gives the best chance of seeing it. Bring a headlamp or flashlight regardless, since sections away from the skylights are dark.
Getting there and know before you go
The turnoff is on Aiken Mine Road, marked by a small sign at its junction with Kelbaker Road. The road is narrow, sandy, washboarded, and scattered with larger rocks, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended and low-clearance cars are not advised. Allow at least 30 minutes to drive in. Bear left at the fork around 4.5 miles, pass the horse corral to the parking circle, then walk uphill about 300 yards to the fence and follow the path to the ladder. The site is not regularly maintained, so enter at your own risk, watch for snakes and the low ceiling, and check current road conditions before heading out.