• Schonchin Butte

    Lava Beds

    National Monument California

Operating Hours & Seasons

Visitor Center Displays

Lava Beds National Monument is always open to visitors.

Lava Beds' caves, trails, camping, and attractions are open year-round. Cave Loop Drive is closed to vehicles after dark, but you may still enter on foot or bicycle. Occasionally in winter, snow can temporarily close park roads until they are plowed.

Most years, the Visitor Center is open every day except December 25th.

Hours are as follows:

  • Summer: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    (the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day)
  • Fall, Winter, Spring: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (with occasional short closures at mid-day)

Did You Know?

Waterway

The Modoc lived a semi-nomadic lifestyle, spending their winters along the shores of the lakes and Lost River. During the rest of the year, they ranged throughout their territory collecting roots and berries, hunting, and fishing.