Lava Tube

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Lavas behave differently depending on composition. Rhyolitic lava, for example, doesn’t flow very far. The basaltic lava which characterizes many of the lava flows in Mojave National Preserve, however, flows easily. During an eruption, as the basaltic flows the outside cools and hardens first, leaving a still molten (and moving) interior. Once the eruption ends, the molten interior lava may empty out, leaving a lava tube.

Know Before You Go

located out Aiken Road, you'll be going underground in the desert, in an area with limited patrols and cellphone service. be prepared: stop at the ranger station in Kelso first and ask for a map, take the basics (water, food, spare tire) and remember: a cellphone is not a first aid kit, especially here. you will need flashlights, and some crawling is required to access the tube. DO NOT GO ALONE.