description Merrill Cave Overview
Situated in California's Lava Beds National Monument, Merrill Cave is a prominent lava tube historically notable for its large and persistent subterranean ice formations.
help Merrill Cave FAQ
Why is Merrill Cave famous for ice?
Merrill Cave historically had an ice floor large enough for visitors to skate on by lantern light. The National Park Service now says only small ice remnants may remain at the bottom viewing area, so a visit should not be planned around skating. [NPS Merrill Cave](https://www.nps.gov/places/merrill-cave.htm)
How long is Merrill Cave?
The National Park Service lists it as 650 feet, or about 198 metres. That figure refers to the lava tube in Lava Beds National Monument, California, not the nearby park road or cave loop. [NPS Merrill Cave](https://www.nps.gov/places/merrill-cave.htm)
Is Merrill Cave a difficult cave to explore?
NPS classifies it among the least challenging Lava Beds caves, with a relatively smooth path and stairs. Visitors may still need to duck-walk in places and should bring proper light and head protection. [NPS Merrill Cave](https://www.nps.gov/places/merrill-cave.htm)
What kind of cave is Merrill Cave?
It is a lava tube formed when a flowing basaltic lava channel cooled around a still-moving interior. Its ice is a later cave microclimate feature, not the material that formed the tube.
explore Explore More
Similar to Merrill Cave
ui.x_see_all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
