Lava Beds National Monument

Lava Beds National Monument, located in northeastern California, is a distinctive stop on a California National Parks Road Trip, renowned for its unique geological features, including more than 700 lava tube caves, historic battlefields, and Native American rock art. Visitors on a road trip can delve into the subterranean world of the monument, exploring the fascinating caverns, or they can hike the rugged trails to witness the remnants of volcanic activity and the scenic high desert wilderness. This site provides a stark contrast to the state's coastal and forested parks, adding a rich layer of diversity to the California natural experience.

Lava Beds National Monument is a land of turmoil, both geological and historical. Over the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano have created a rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features.