Lava Beds National Monument staff have determined that Crystal Ice Cave will be ready for public tours beginning on January 7, 2017. Overnight low temperatures have been dropping into the single digits, which allows cold, dense air to sink into the cave entrance and cool the depths of the cave, solidifying ice resources and furthering their growth with adequate precipitation. Recently, monument staff assessed the cave and the condition of its ice formations and determined that the ice floors are frozen enough to allow tours to begin.

Public tours will begin Saturday, January 7, 2017, and will be given every Saturday through March 2017, or as conditions allow. Space is limited to six people per tour, as the warmth brought into the cave by people can significantly alter ice formations. To sign up for a tour, go to Recreation.gov and search “Lava Beds National Monument Tours.” Tour registration typically begins around 7:00 am PST, and reservations must be made no more than three weeks before the date of the requested tour. Reservations are highly competitive, and tours typically fill quickly.

Superintendent Larry Whalon said, “Of all of the natural resources to enjoy at Lava Beds, Crystal Ice Cave is truly a highlight.  We all are fortunate to have such a marvelous natural phenomenon that is available in the cold winter season.  Come out and explore.”