Explore Valentine Cave, Lava Beds National Monument, California

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Probably your best second cave, and if you only have time for one cave during your travels, this might be it. Smooth, organic looking walls with great "primary volcanic features," as in, it still looks much like the day after the lava cooled. One of the "Least Challenging Caves" Named for the day it was discovered in 1933, it has large main passages with smooth floors and walls. It was created by a different lava source than the caves on Cave Loop. Length: 1,635 feet Distance from visitor center: 1.6 mile drive.  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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