Explore Golden Dome Cave, Lava Beds National Monument, California

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Golden Dome Cave (2,229 ft / 679 m) is one of the "Moderately Challenging Caves." Beware of “headache rock” when entering and exiting the cave via the ladder. The downstream portion of this cave (heading north) requires some stooping. The back section where the “Golden Dome” is located is a figure-8; take note of your location so you don’t go around in circles. The golden ceiling in this and many other caves here is the result of light reflecting off water droplets that bead up on a coating of hydrophobic bacteria. The bacteria are not harmful to humans but are easily damaged, so please do not touch. The upstream portions of this cave require more stooping and some crawling. Length: 2,229 feet.  Distance from visitor center: Cave Loop.  Cave has stairs/steps.  Most people must duck-walk in some places.  Most people must duck-walk in some places.  Most people must crawl in some places if you go through the whole cave.  The caves found here were created by flows of smooth lava 10,500 to 65,000 years ago. As the lava cooled, caves formed and created homes for unique cave life to thrive. These fantastic underground worlds can be visited on your own or by guided tour in the summer. Please “take only pictures, leave only footprints” so others have a chance to discover what you have during your trip.

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