Go Deep: Spelunking Lava Tubes Camping Trip! Go Deep: Spelunking Lava Tubes Camping Trip!
Go Deep: Spelunking Lava Tubes Camping Trip!
Must be a member or member's guest to attend
Overview
Status
Normal
Start Time
May 09, 2025 (Friday)
End Time
May 11, 2025 (Sunday)
Location
Tulelake - See Directions Below -
Category
Special Event
Club
Urban Diversion
Region
UD-San Francisco Special Event
Sharing
All Clubs
Event Host
Brian Low
Max Attendees
14
Max Guests
Unlimited
Cost Range
Co-Op Event
Ready to ditch the city lights for star-streaked skies and underground wonders! Lava Beds National Monument is a hidden gem of wild landscapes, where ancient lava flows have carved out a maze of caves just waiting to be explored. By day, we'll navigate the rugged terrain, ducking into otherworldly lava tubes and discovering the eerie beauty beneath the surface. By night, we'll gather around the campfire under a Milky Way so bright it barely seems real. This is not your average weekend getaway. It's an adventure into the depths of time itself.
Basic Details:
Go Deep: Spelunking in Lava Tubes
Caves . Battlefield . Petroglyphs
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 & Elbow Pads – Trust us, your joints 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! The items listed above are required so please come prepared.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 | Arrive
Lava Beds National Monument
Meet us at our campsite
Set up camp and enjoy light refreshments
We'll visit the visitors center and explore some easy entry level caves
Enjoy a delicious group dinner prepared by host and chef extraordinaire
Relax by the campfire and enjoy the views of the night sky
Soak in all the chill camp vibes!
DAY 2 | Let's Go Deep!
Spelunking
Wake up to fresh coffee and hot breakfast prepared by your host
Prepare a packed lunch before leaving camp
Packed picnic lunch on the trail
Today will be a full day of exploring with hikes and deep diving into some of the best caves in the area
Home to over 800 caves, making it the largest concentration of lava tube caves in North America!
After working up an appetite on our adventures, we'll return to camp for another wonderfully prepared dinner
DAY 3 | More exploring before heading home
The Adventure Doesn't End Here!
Fresh coffee and hot breakfast
Optional cave before driving home or maybe visit Petroglyph Point
As we say our goodbyes, we'll send you off with some optional adventures along the drive home
Optional Side Quests For Your Drive Home:
Burney Falls (McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park) – A stunning 129-foot waterfall that’s often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” The constant flow of water, even in summer, makes this an epic stop.
Mount Shasta – Whether you stop for a scenic viewpoint, grab a meal in the charming town of Mount Shasta, or take a short hike near the mountain, this iconic peak is well worth a visit.
Dunsmuir – A cute mountain town with great food, coffee, and the scenic Mossbrae Falls hike (just check for current access info). "Yaks on the 5" is a GREAT burger joint for food along the way (totally worth the wait 100%)!
Lassen Volcanic National Park – If you have extra time, take a detour to this geothermal wonderland with boiling springs, steaming fumaroles, and epic alpine scenery. (check their website for road conditions before going)
Sundial Bridge (Redding) – This unique, glass-bottomed pedestrian bridge spans the Sacramento River and is a cool stop for architecture lovers (or anyone wanting a quick leg stretch).
Plenty of ways to turn the drive home into another adventure!
Sorry, no dogs allowed on this camping trip due to park restrictions and daytime activities.
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