Go Deep: Spelunking Lava Tubes Camping Trip!

# Go Deep: Spelunking in Lava Tubes

# Caves . Battlefield . Petroglyphs

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Hidden in California’s backcountry, Lava Beds National Monument is a wild wonderland of fire & history! Home to 800+ lava tube caves, it boasts the largest concentration in North America! Trek through rugged volcanic terrain, explore underground tunnels, and camp beneath dazzling night skies. This land also holds deep cultural roots, with ancient Modoc petroglyphs and the echoes of the Modoc War. Adventure, history, and epic landscapes await—are you in?

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
🌋 Explore the Lava Tubes – Descend into some of the monument’s most awe-inspiring caves, like Skull Cave, a massive lava tube that still holds ice year-round, and Mushpot Cave, the only lighted cave in the park, perfect for getting a first taste of underground exploration.
🔥 Hike Through a Volcanic Landscape – Traverse rugged lava flows, cinder cones, and strange rock formations that make you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.
🌌 Camp Under Some of the Darkest Skies in California – With almost no light pollution, the night sky here is an absolute spectacle, perfect for stargazing and capturing stunning Milky Way photos.
🏹 Step Into History at Captain Jack’s Stronghold – Walk the same paths where Modoc warriors made a legendary stand against U.S. forces, learning about the intense battles and resilience of the Modoc people.
🦇 Wildlife Encounters – Keep an eye out for soaring raptors, curious mule deer, and even the resident bat colonies that call the caves home! Did someone say Bigfoot?

What is Spelunking?
Spelunking, or caving, is the ultimate underground adventure—navigating through a network of lava tubes that range from wide, walkable tunnels to tight, twisty crawl spaces. Caves are ranked by difficulty, so you can choose your level of thrill. The easiest caves have high ceilings and smooth floors, making them great for beginners. Moderately challenging caves might require a bit of stooping and careful footing over rough terrain. The most difficult caves? Expect some crawling, tight squeezes, and the potential to get turned around—so proper planning, extra safety gear, and a sense of adventure are a must! No matter your comfort level, there's a cave waiting for you to explore.

EVENT DETAILS

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

• Car Camping in an established campground
• In other words flushing toilets and running water
• All meals from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon are included
• Action-packed itinerary full of awe and adventure
• Go deep - We'll explore some of the deep dark recesses of the Lava Tubes because sometimes the best adventures happen in the dark
• More stars that you've ever seen before
• We'll bring all the shared group camping gear (stoves, pans, water jug, etc)
• An adventurous and fun host to join you and take care of all the trip logistics

NOT INCLUDED:

• Bigfoot (TMZ will pay top $ if you snap a photo of this elusive fellow)
• Transportation is not included, but we can help coordinate carpools if desired
• BYOB - we will not be providing any adult beverages

WHAT TO BRING:

• Standard personal camping gear
• Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, mess kit, insulated cup
• A more complete gear list will be included once you sign up
• If you need to borrow gear, please message us directly for more information
• Personal toiletries
• Headlamp and a backup headlamp/ flashlight (this is an absolute must for safety in the caves)
• Camera
• Clothes for spelunking (caving)

WHAT TO WEAR SPELUNKING:
When spelunking, you want to dress for adventure, protection, and a bit of grime! Here’s what to wear:

🧥 Layers, Layers, Layers – Lava tubes stay cool year-round (usually around 55°F), so wear moisture-wicking base layers and a light fleece or jacket.
👖 Durable Pants – Skip the shorts! Wear tough, flexible pants (like hiking or work pants) to protect your legs from scrapes and sharp rocks.
👕 Long-Sleeve Shirt – Helps protect your arms from rough surfaces and adds warmth in chilly caves.
🧤 Gloves – A solid pair of work or climbing gloves will save your hands from cuts, scrapes, and cold, damp rocks.
🦵 Knee Pads – Trust us, your knees will thank you when you're crawling through those low tunnels.
🥾 Sturdy, Closed-Toe Shoes – Hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip are essential for navigating slippery or uneven surfaces.
🧢 Helmet (or Hard Hat) – Low ceilings and surprise bumps are common—protect that beautiful brain of yours! A bike helmet works in a pinch. Basic helmets can be purchased from the bookstore in the Visitor Center at a fairly low cost.
🔦 Headlamp (with Extra Batteries!) – Your hands will be busy, so a good headlamp is a must. Always bring a backup light—because getting stuck in the dark is not the kind of thrill you’re looking for.
Basically, dress like you're going on a rugged underground mission—because you are! 🚀
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