"Views from the Lava Beds" by NPS photo , public domain
Lava BedsHiking Trails |
featured in
![]() | National Parks Pocket Maps | ![]() |
![]() | California Pocket Maps | ![]() |
Lava Beds
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Lava Beds National Monument
Lava Beds Trails
Hiking at Lava
Beds
The Short Trails
Lava Beds has twelve hiking trails. The most popular trails are short, but lead to interesting
historic sites and geological features. Due to resource concerns, pets and bicycles are not
permitted on any park trails, on in non-developed area or caves.
All trails cross or enter the
non-developed backcountry, while the long trails are primarily in designated wilderness areas.
The trails in this bulletin are arranged by their distance from the visitor center. Carry plenty of
water regardless of trail length—no surface water exists at Lava Beds. Watch for rattlesnakes
and wear sunscreen and a hat in summer. Be prepared for sudden weather changes any time of
year.
Bunchgrass Trail
Start across from Site B-7 in the campground. Follow
along the northeast side of Crescent Butte to the park
road. Approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) long.
fine pictographs at the bridge and cave. Take the Skull
Cave road to the first parking area and trailhead.
Across the road from the Symbol Bridge Trail, you will
find the Missing Link Trail.
Missing Link Trail
This trail links the Three Sisters Trail to the
Bunchgrass Trail, creating a 10-mile (16km) loop.
Missing Link begins on the Bunchgrass Trail about 0.5
miles (0.8 km) from B-Loop in the campground. Hike
on the Missing Link Trail for 0.7 mile (1.1 km) to reach
the Skull Cave road. The trail ends across from the
trailhead for Symbol Bridge. Hike another 0.1 mile
(0.16km) on the road to Skull Cave to reach the
trailhead for Lyons/Three Sisters Trail.
Thomas-Wright Battlefield Trail
Volcanism and history are featured here. The hike onto
Black Crater is less than 0.3 miles (0.5 km) by bearing
right. The battlefield is 1.1 miles (1.8km) one way.
View fine wildflower displays in season.
Heppe Cave Trail
Heppe Cave Trail can be found on the road to
Mammoth Crater. This 0.4-mile (0.6 km) trail begins
under tall Ponderosa pines. As you reach the end of the
trail, you will view an enormous collapse. Follow the
trail into Heppe Ice Cave that has a large opening at
both ends.
Gillem Bluff Trail
This trail climbs 550 feet in elevation over 0.7 miles
(1.1 km) to the top of Gillem Bluff (Sheepy Ridge), for
a view of Gillems Camp and the surrounding
landscape.
Captain Jacks Stronghold Trail
Two
self-guiding interpretive trails wind through the heart of
the Modoc’s wartime defenses. The inner loop is 0.5
miles (0.8 km), and the outer loop 1.5 miles (2.4 km).
Be prepared for rough terrain.
Big Nasty Trail
A loop trail, Big Nasty is 2 miles (3.2 km) long.
Named after a brush-covered rough lava area just to the
north— “it is big and it is nasty!” From the Mammoth
Crater/Hidden Valley pullout, the trail starts along the
crater rim. Turn left from the Mammoth Crater Trail.
Petroglyph Point Trail
This very short trail begins on the east side of
Petroglyph Point just beyond the bulletin board on the
dirt road. The trailhead parking lot is on top of a short
rise across from the trail entrance. Hike to the top to
enjoy an impressive view of the basin and the Medicine
Lake volcano.
Schonchin Butte Trail
This trail climbs 0.7 miles (1.4 km) to the fire lookout
and a panoramic view. Trail has a 500 -foot elevation
gain. You can be a guest of the lookout on duty in
summer. Please stay on the designated trail and do not
shortcut switchbacks.
Please do not hike to the edge of the cliff to avoid
disturbing nesting birds such as prairie falcons, redtailed hawks, and owls. Please do not attempt to hike
to the top from the west side of Petroglph Point. A
social trail there has caused severe erosion and passes
too close to nesting sites.
Symbol Bridge Trail
Winding 0.8 miles (1.3 km) past interesting lava tube
collapses and other features, this trail leads to many
The Long Trails
Three Sisters Trail
Entered at the campground from A-Loop, this trail
loops out into the wilderness and returns to the Skull
Cave Road. It is 8.7 miles (14.0 km) long.
Lyons Trail
A former monument road, this trail crosses park
wilderness from south to north between the Skull
Cave parking area and Hospital Rock. It is 9.4 miles
(15.2 km) long.
Special Concerns
in the Wilderness
On October 13, 1972, 27,970 acres (11319 hectares)
of the Lava Beds backcountry were designated as
wilderness. Pets, bicycles, hunting, and
motorized vehicles are not permitted in
wilderness areas.
Whitney Butte Trail
From Merrill Cave parking area to the west boundary
of the monument, this trail crosses the wilderness in an
east-west direction, curving around Whitney Butte.
Enjoy an impressive view of Mount Shasta and the
Callahan Lava Flow. This trail is 3.3 miles (5.3 km)
one way.
the vicinity of chimneys is not permitted. Camping
within 0.25 miles (0.4 km) of roads, trailheads, and
parking areas is also prohibited.
No person may camp in a nondeveloped or
wilderness area with a group size of more than
twelve, including horses and pack animals.
Check at the visitor center for current weather
information. Carry first aid supplies and let someone
know where you are going and when you plan to
return. Off-trail hiking is not recommended, as lava
terrain is very rough.
Due to the dry nature of Lava Beds, especially in
summer, open fires are not allowed at any time in
the backcountry. Gas stoves are permitted. Other
restrictions may apply during extreme fire
conditions—please check with a ranger.
Please remember to leave no trace. If you pack it in,
pack it out. Leave what you find. All historic and
prehistoric objects, plants, animals, and rocks are
protected. Please store your food securely and do not
share your lunch with any wild animals.
Camping in or within 50 yards (46 km) of caves or in
Horse Regulations
Horses and pack animals are only permitted on the
Three Sisters, Lyons and Whitney Butte trails. All
wilderness rules apply to horse and rider.
Ride at a slow pace; the terrain is rough.
Horse riders should carry plenty of water. Summer
days are hot and there is no surface water for animals to
drink from.
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
Leg protectors are recommended for horses and riders.
Be alert for rattlesnakes on the trail.
Horses should be sprayed completely, especially on
the legs, with a fly and tick spray.
.