If you’re looking for activities to do in Flagstaff during your engagement session, why not check out the Lava Cave past the Snowbowl in Flagstaff, Arizona?!
Schyler & Mike always talked about wanting to explore a lava cave but never got the chance to. It wasn’t until I popped the idea in their heads to explore this 3/4 mile long hike (and climb) lava tube! They immediately said yes and we were counting down the days to their adventure into pure darkness.
Lava Tube Flagstaff Engagement Photos
The entrance of the lava cave is very easy to find. The trail is a straight shot from the forest parking lot and about 50 feet from the structured rocks you can feel the cold breeze rushing out of the cave!
We spent about an hour and a half looking at the amazing rock formations, the coloring of the walls, and of course taking photos during their adventure.
Exploring this lava cave really takes your mind away from reality. You forget about all stress in life and the traffic you might have to deal with heading home.
This 650,000 – 700,000 year old lava cave can be as cool as 42°F in the summer so if you want to escape the heat, especially the triple digits in Phoenix, then I highly recommend this 3/4 mile hike!
A FEW TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN TRAVELING TO THe ARIZONA LAVA CAVE:
A smaller car is ok to drive in but during the winter a high clearance vehicle is recommended.
Because of how pitch black it gets, no matter what time of day it is, is headlamps are the best way to explore the lava cave. There will be lots of climbing, crab walking due to small openings in the cave, and pure darkness. Your phone will not justice how dark this cave really is. A light with 300+ lumens is recommended.
Hiking shoes with good grip, a jacket, and gloves if your fingers get cold easily. A hard hat or helmet is also recommended because it is very dark and there are sudden small areas in front of you that you can bang your head against.
Pets are not allowed.
Bring lots of water and snacks!
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Hey, I’m Kelcee!
I would love to be your Flagsatff Engagement photographer
’ve been capturing sand dunes engagements since 2021, and it’s my passion to help adventurous couples like you create the perfect adventure session.
Planning your marriage is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you deserve the support to make it uniquely yours. Together, we’ll create quality memories that beautifully tell your love story, lasting a lifetime.
This is so cool + what a unique places to take photos! The tips you have are so helpful for having the most fun + safe experience here! I definitely will be visiting next time I’m in Arizona!
Oh wow this looks soooo fun! What a fun place to adventure and take photos!
I have never seen a photo session in a cave! how incredible!!! 😮
What a unique place for a shoot! I’m so glad you mentioned a reminder of Leave No Trace because. It’s so important to keep amazing places clean and accessible to all <3
I never would have thought to do a session in a lava cave! Honestly I had no idea you could just hike into them like this either. What a unique adventure 🙂
What a unique spot for photos! This would be such a fun adventure for a photoshoot!
What a fun spot! Definitely a unique idea for a fun session and looks like these two had a lot of fun! 🙂 Love it!
Lava adventures ate just so so exciting! Memories captured forever! So so stunning!