At Lava Beds National Monument, volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano have created an incredibly rugged landscape punctuated by cinder cones, lava flows, spatter cones, lava tube caves and pit craters. In the late 1800s, the Modoc Indians used these tortuous lava flows to their advantage in a battle with US troops. Under the leadership of Captain Jack, the Modocs took refuge in "Captain Jack's Stronghold," a natural lava fortress. From this base a group of 53 fighting men and their families held off US Army forces numbering up to ten times their strength for five months. Visitors can tour both the geologic and historic wonders of this unusual landscape.
Hours + Fees
Hours:
Lava Beds National Monument is always open to visitors.
Lava Beds’‘ caves, trails, camping, and attractions are open year-round. Occasionally in winter, snow can temporarily close park roads until they are plowed.
The Visitor Center is open every day except Christmas (December 25). Hours are as follows: Summer: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Memorial through Labor Day) Fall, Winter, Spring: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Season:
Open year-round (visitor center open 8 am to 5 pm in winter and 8 am to 6 pm in summer)
Amenities
Amenities:
Campground Modern Restrooms Picnic Area(s) Visitor Center
Details
Additional Details:
Popular activities at the park include exploring lava tube caves, hiking to cinder cones and craters, or viewing petroglyphs from northern California''s indigenous people.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Visitors traveling south on Highway 139 (from Oregon) will see signs four miles south of Tulelake directing them into Lava Beds. Visitors traveling north on Highway 139 (from Alturas) will see signs 27 miles north of Canby directing them into Lava Beds.
We also have the following visitor guides in New Mexico. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive.
Santa Fe North Central
Santa Fe
North CentralSanta Fe has a rich cultural history and used to be considered the capital for the Spanish "Kingdom of New Mexico". These days, visitors can enjoy the many museums, galleries and dining options available in this beautiful and historic city. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Red River Northern New Mexico
Red River
Northern New MexicoRed River, New Mexico! A place where fresh powder winters meet refreshing summer days. Red River offers something for everyone with its convenient scenic location in the heart of Northern New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle. Red River is the place that awakens us each day by the soothing sound of a rushing river and then again each evening as the sun sets over main street. The mountain town of Red River is New Mexico True. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Farmington Northwestern New Mexico
Farmington
Northwestern New MexicoNorthwestern New Mexico is known by many as a magical place. Four Corners and the local Aztec Ruins are considered sacred ground for some and are fascinating to visit. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Las Cruces Southern New Mexico
Las Cruces
Southern New MexicoLas Cruces is a charming city nestled between the awe-striking Organ Mountains and the Rio Grande. There are a variety of unique local attractions and historic museums to keep visitors entertained. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Bisbee Southern Arizona
Bisbee
Southern ArizonaVictorian neighborhoods, locally-owned restaurants and coffee shops, bookstores, galleries and more make Bisbee a good choice for those seeking sophistication along with small town charm. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
El Paso Mexican Border
El Paso
Mexican BorderEl Paso meets not only New Mexico but Old Mexico as well, making it a place rich in culture and history. High mountains cut through the city which gives it a dramatic setting as well as a great offering of very nearby outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Truth or Consequences Area Southwest New Mexico
Truth or Consequences Area
Southwest New MexicoOur new address is 523 N. Broadway in Truth or Consequences.
Our hours are:
Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-3pm
Sunday: 11am-2pm
Sierra County Recreation & Tourism partners with the Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway Visitor Center to provide visitor information. The volunteers at the Visitor Center have an extensive knowledge of local history, attractions, activities and events. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Village of Ruidoso South Central
Village of Ruidoso
South CentralPristine and removed from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, the mountain top village has emerged as a premier resort destination of the Southwest, offering four season recreation, breathtaking views and perfectly suited meeting and lodging accommodations. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Carlsbad - Home of Carlsbad Caverns National Park Southeastern New Mexico
Carlsbad - Home of Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Southeastern New MexicoCarlsbad is known for the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, but we’re also the home of Living Desert Zoo & Gardens and Brantley Lake State Parks, have the Pecos River running through the heart of town, and we boast 350 days of sunshine a year! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Santa Fe County North Central
Santa Fe County
North CentralWelcome to Santa Fe County! - For the Adventurous Traveler who craves Authentic Experiences. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Cloudcroft New Mexico South Central
Cloudcroft New Mexico
South CentralCloudcroft New Mexico is a quiet, quaint cool scenic village with year-round events and activities. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Alamogordo South Central
Alamogordo
South CentralA destination offering a multitude of interesting sights and one-of-a-kind adventures, Alamogordo is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding countryside. Come enjoy fishing, hiking and skiing in the Sacramento Mountains, or discover the natural beauty of White Sands National Monument. Alamogordo, New Mexico. Adventure for life. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Deming Tourism Southern
Deming Tourism
SouthernFor fun, adventure and discovery, there’s no place like Deming, New Mexico! Located in the heart of the historic Old West, there are plenty of things to see and do around Deming! From outdoor activities and tourist attractions to the world-class Deming Luna Mimbres Museum and the charms of Old Mexico in nearby Palomas, you’ll find something for everyone. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Click on any state to see what's available.
Alaska
Arizona
California
Canada
Colorado
Hawaii
Idaho
Louisiana
Michigan
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
Ohio
Oregon
Texas
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
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