Vesuvius Park: Hike on trail No. 9, Lava River

bivio dell'osservatorio vesuviano - contrada osservatorio 12 - ercolano Napoli - Italy

The route, which stretches between deciduous woods of Robinia and sparse oaks, will enchant us with its colors and sounds and will give us an opportunity to tell you about the incredible biodiversity of the Vesuvius area.
The destination of the itinerary is the flow of March 1944, covered by pioneer species and lichens, overlooking a panoramic terrace overlooking Naples and its Gulf, giving a breathtaking view of the sun setting over Naples!

What will you do

The path is very easy and alternates downhill sections with flat sections and uphill sections with points where you proceed in single file. It starts at an altitude of 568m and follows an easy route that first crosses mixed forest environments, with essences such as acacia, chestnut, hop hornbeam and various species of oak, and reaches a panoramic area dominated by scrub environments, whose explosion of colors and life frames one of the most suggestive views of the lava flow dating back to the 1944 eruption, whose lava and pyroclastic deposits are brushed by that silvery gray color due to the growth on them of the very famous Vesuvius lichen: the Stereocaulon vesuvianum. Once you reach the lava, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Naples and admire the Cognoli di Giacca and Trocchia of Monte Somma and the western slope of Vesuvius. Along the way we could explain the techniques adopted for the redevelopment of the route and show you traces of what were ancient measures to contain the waters of the Bourbon plant.
For the return, the outward journey is retraced in reverse.

What to expect

Type: Easy path, suitable for everyone (not suitable for those with walking problems or in wheelchairs) - Km: about 2.5 round trip - Difference in altitude: 80 m

What's included

Guide: 120 euros/guide – 1 guide max 20 pax – basic liability insurance
For guides in English, German, Spanish and French, they must be requested at the time of booking and subject to availability

What is not included

Parking service and any costs, meals, drinks, hiking equipment - everything not indicated in "services included"

To remember

MEETING POINT AND END OF SERVICES: crossroads of the Vesuvius observatory, contrada observatory 12
Cars can be parked outside the footpath

Please note: For guides in English, German, Spanish and French, they must be requested at the time of booking and subject to availability

Tips

Equipment:
- it is advisable to preferably wear trekking shoes or, alternatively, trainers with shaped soles
- layered clothing, k-way and sweatshirt
- bring only a backpack (no shoulder bags or envelopes)

Best period: all year round, weather permitting

How to get there: From the A3 motorway the closest exit is Torre del Greco. From the exit, follow the signs for the Vesuvius National Park
contrada osservatorio 12
City: ercolano
(IT) ItalyMap
Durata:   2 ore
Vesuvius Park: Hike on trail No. 9, Lava River accepts special requests. Add them in the next step!
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
  • Why choose Metour.it as your reliable online travel agency?
    Metour.it is committed to offering travelers authentic and unforgettable experiences. As a leading trusted online travel agency, we stand out for our dedication to quality, safety and customer satisfaction. Every destination, package and service offered has been carefully selected to ensure an unparalleled travel experience. Furthermore, our expert team is always on hand to assist you at every stage of your journey, ensuring that every detail is taken care of to perfection.
  • Are the prices always the same even if the date changes?
    Prices vary based on various factors which may be seasonal, day of the week, occupancy status of the hotel, promotions, particular fairs in the city and more. The advice, to see the prices, is to enter the dates of your stay and make your own comparisons.
  • Is breakfast always included?
    No, it depends on the rate and whether the structure is organized to offer it or not. Check carefully before booking what is included and what is not and what type of service is offered.
  • Can I make special requests?
    Of course, when booking you will have a field where you can write directly to the property and make your requests. These will be evaluated by the Hotel who will respond directly to you. MeTour is not responsible in this decision-making process.
  • What types of beds will I find in the room I booked?
    The type of bed is usually specified in the room sheet. If you have any special requests or needs you can indicate them at the time of booking by writing them in the "special requests" field which will be forwarded directly to the property. In this process MeTour is not responsible.
  • What is Paga in Structural and what are Payment Pre-Authorisations?
    When you book, some facilities offer the possibility of paying directly at the facility. In these cases you will simply be asked to insert your credit (or debit) card to guarantee the booking, but without any charge. The sum will be taken from your credit card only in the cases provided for by the policies and conditions relating to your booking. In other cases, when the Partner does not adopt automatic availability and booking systems, but confirms reservations "manually", then you will be asked to insert your credit (or debit) card to guarantee the reservation, and then be directly charged at the same time as the Partner confirms the booking (within 24-48 hours). At that moment you will receive an email with the booking confirmation and payment.
  • How do I know if my card has been pre-authorized?
    By consulting your credit card balance you will see that your available balance will be temporarily reduced by the amount of your booking. In other cases and depending on the policy of your credit card circuit, you may also find an entry in the monthly summary of card movements: "pending operation". The pre-authorization block, depending on the situation, will be maintained according to the policies and terms and conditions of what has been booked.
  • How can I cancel or change my booking?
    Easy, enter the customer area with your credentials and from there you can modify or cancel your booking. Remember that changing dates or canceling with a refund request depends on the rate you chose when booking.
  • Can I transfer my reservation to another person?
    For this request, contact the property directly which may have a specific policy in this regard or may need further data on the person to whom you want to transfer the booking.
  • How can I get help with my booking?
    Enter the customer area with your credentials and from there you can contact us or by writing through our contact form specifying your booking number and the reason for the contact request. We recommend that you also leave a telephone number where you can be reached in case of need.
  • Are there taxes, local charges or extras to be paid directly on site?
    They are normally clearly indicated in the property sheet or added during the booking phase depending on local regulations or the facility's policies. But even if not clearly indicated, payments may be requested directly to the facility for any tourist taxes, local charges or extras not included in the rate. The advice is to read everything carefully before booking or writing to us through our contact form.
  • Are small pets allowed?
    It is often clearly stated in the property sheet and for this reason we invite you to carefully read their policies. Where not indicated, we invite you to contact us through our contact form for more information.
 
  • What are TripAdvisor reviews?
    TripAdvisor reviews on MeTour.it are ratings and comments imported directly from TripAdvisor for each hotel, B&B, resort, campsite, accommodation, restaurant and museum activity you find on our site. They include an overall rating of up to 5 points, the total number of reviews, and detailed ratings for specific categories such as rooms, location, cleanliness, sleep quality, service and value for money. We also show the latest 5 reviews left by travelers on TripAdvisor. This data is automatically updated and is provided to help our users make informed choices. MeTour.it does not edit these reviews and takes no responsibility for their accuracy.
 
  • How are MeTour.it proposals linked to TripAdvisor reviews? What happens if there are errors in connections with TripAdvisor?
    To connect our proposals to the reviews offered by TripAdvisor, we use an automatic search algorithm. This system, despite our best efforts, may occasionally catch a wrong proposal. While we make every effort to avoid such errors, we would like to point out that we cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies resulting from these automated links.
    We also carry out manual checks to correct any errors found and constantly work to improve the algorithm. If you find an error, please report it to us at info@metour.it, so that we can intervene promptly and further improve our service.
     
    What type of tourist guides can I find in the "Destinations" section of MeTour.it?
    In the "Destinations" section of MeTour.it, you will find detailed guides on the main Italian cities of art, the European capitals, the most beautiful villages in Italy, the ghost villages and the main world tourist destinations. Each guide offers information on attractions, local culture, recommended accommodations and advice on how to make the most of your trip.

    How can I use destination guides to plan my trip?
    The destination guides on MeTour.it provide useful advice on what to see, where to eat, where to stay and curiosities. Using these guides, you can plan your itinerary, book popular attractions in advance, and find the best lodging and dining options for your favorite destination.
    Are destination guides updated regularly?
    Yes, our destination guides are constantly updated to reflect the latest travel trends, emerging attractions and current recommendations. We invite you to visit the "Destinations" section often for the latest news and updates. Also visit our blog https://www.metour.it/en/news/ where you can find constantly updated articles on travel tips, destinations to visit, trends, advice, precautions for traveling safely.
    Can I find information about local events in destination guides?
    Certain! Destination guides also include information on local events, holidays, fairs and events that could enrich your travel experience. See the "Events" section within each guide for more details.
    How can I find the destinations that best suit my travel needs?
    Use the filters in the "Destinations" section to select options based on your interests, such as cities of art, seaside destinations or historic villages. This will help you quickly find the destinations that best suit your travel style.
     
    What do I find in the "Travel ideas" section of MeTour.it?
    In the "Travel ideas" section you will find a collection of proposals selected by us for you and bookable on MeTour.it, organized by theme. We offer ideas for beach trips, adventure, mountain holidays, lake and river holidays, family trips, adults-only destinations, work and holiday combinations, trips for the health of body and mind and much more.
     
    How can I use travel ideas to plan my holidays?
    The travel ideas are designed to inspire you and make it easier to plan your vacation. Each proposal includes detailed information on destinations, recommended activities, accommodations and special offers. Choose the theme that interests you and explore the proposals to book your perfect trip.
     
    Are the travel ideas also suitable for solo travellers?
    Absolutely! MeTour.it travel ideas are suitable for all types of travellers, including solo travellers. We offer suggestions for individual adventures, relaxing stays and social opportunities, ideal for solo travelers.

    What can I book in the "Book and Go" section of MeTour.it?
    In the "Book and Go" section, you can find and book a wide range of options for your trip, including accommodation, restaurants, mobility services such as car rental and transfers, and a variety of experiences and guided tours. This section is designed to offer everything you need for a complete holiday.
     
    What types of accommodation can I find in the "Book and Go" section?
    We offer a wide range of accommodation, including hotels, holiday homes, holiday villages, bed & breakfasts, resorts, glamping, chalets, historic homes, boutique hotels and much more. Each option is described in detail to help you find the accommodation that best suits your needs and preferences. We also use TripAdvisor reviews to help you decide on the accommodation that's right for you and recommended by other travelers who have reviewed it.
    How can I book restaurants or catering activities on MeTour.it?
    You can book restaurants, pizzerias and other catering activities directly in the "Book and Go" section. Each option includes details on the type of cuisine, menu, hours and reviews to help you make the best choice.

    What types of mobility services are available for booking?
    Available mobility services include car rental, transfer services, nautical charters and public transport tickets. You can book the service best suited to your itinerary directly from our website.

    Which experiences and visits can I book on MeTour.it?
    You can book a wide range of experiences, including guided tours, museum visits, outdoor activities and tickets to local attractions. Each option includes detailed information to ensure you have an unforgettable experience.
     
    How do I know if a destination is safe to travel?
    We recommend that you check the latest travel information and safety advisories on government and World Health Organization websites. MeTour.it also provides updates on local conditions in our destination guides https://www.metour.it/en/destination and on our blog https://www.metour.it/en/news/

    Can I combine multiple services (accommodation, activities, transportation) in a single booking?
    Yes, on MeTour.it you can combine accommodation, activities and transport in a single booking for an integrated and stress-free travel experience.

    What payment methods are accepted on MeTour.it?
    We accept a variety of payment methods, including credit, debit cards and other secure online options. See the 'Payments' section for further details.

    H ow can I get discounts or special offers on MeTour.it?
    Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on exclusive discounts, last-minute offers and special promotions. You can also visit the 'Offers' section on our website to discover the latest promotions.

    What anti-Covid safety measures are adopted by our partners?
    Our partners follow rigorous anti-Covid safety protocols, including regular sanitization and social distancing. You can find specific details in the individual accommodation and activity sheets
  • Covid 19 Reservations/Cancellations/Changes of Dates/Refunds:
  • For reservations made we advise you to keep in mind the risk related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and related government measures. If you book a rate that is not “flexible” or “non-cancellable” or “non-changeable”, you may not be entitled to a refund in the event of cancellation or to a refund. Any requests for cancellation or date changes will be handled based on the policy of the rate chosen at the time of booking and any consumer protection laws. In uncertain times like these, MeTour recommends booking with rates that allow free cancellation or date changes, so that if you have to change plans or restrictions arise, you can cancel for free up to the deadline set by the structure.
 
  • Covid-19: travel restrictions and advice
    MeTour encourages its Partners to follow a careful prevention policy towards the Covid-19 pandemic, promoting those structures with strict sanitization and control protocols and monitors any contagion situations by blocking reservations towards those structures or places that are particularly affected. However, since we cannot intervene directly on the structures, which are independent from MeTour, the advice is to check whether there are travel restrictions in place before booking and reaching the structure. In fact, travel may only be authorized for specific reasons and, in particular, travel for tourist purposes may not be permitted. We recommend that you visit the government websites of the various countries in the world of destination, the website of the WHO (World Health Organization) and local government bodies, official information sites and, last but not least, the website of the Booked Facilities. . MeTour is not responsible for the content of the aforementioned sites, but recommends consulting news that is as up to date as possible.
Special Needs
Special Needs
2 dedicated services from Vesuvius Park: Hike on trail No. 9, Lava River
☝️The information for the accessibility of the facilities by people with Special Needs is provided directly by the facilities or is obtained from their websites or official sources. For more information, we recommend that you contact us directly.
TripAdvisor
4.5
Excellent
TripAdvisor
462 reviews
#9 of 98 things to do in Flagstaff
CheyenneRaeSinger
Review dated 08 Nov 2023
Don’t forget the gear!🔦
We didn’t go all the way to the end of the cave because we are scaredy cats when it came to the dark 😅 our flashlights weren’t too bright. But! It was cool nonetheless, just being able to sit in there knowing it was formed by molten rock was a neat experience on its own 😁
Kausar786
Review dated 18 Ott 2023
Lava Caves - unfulfilled hike
Drive to Lava Cave from Walnut Canyon was through Route 22 which took us through some residential areas. Turning to the Lava cave from the highway the road was all gravel.
Our intention was to explore the caves but could not as we did not think of jackets, gloves, and headlamps. The cave entrance is almost covered by large rocks and you have to climb over them to enter the cave. Obviously, we did not get it as it was very cold. Temperature dips down to 28 in the caves and it is almost a mile long
ManyHatsMonica
Review dated 05 Ago 2023
Inside the dragon’s belly.
Cool experience. Be sure to bring headlights (better than flashlights and phone lights because you will need your hands), if you get to the portion to go left or right, go left (also you are closer to the end), the right side is a little detour (you will end up on the left side) and you will need to bend down for 1 minute (maybe).
Bring shoes with good grip, it gets cold, went 8/4/2023 and didn’t use a jacket at all (but others were using jackets). Enjoy! The end 🙃
budzy829
Review dated 18 Giu 2023
Interesting to Explore
You have to check out Lava River Cave!

On our last day off before heading home, we took the time to visit and explore more of Arizona. It was a nice time, exploring and making more memories.

Fun Fact: This is a lava tube in northern Arizona's Coconino National Forest. Approximately 0.75 miles long, it is the longest cave of its kind known in Arizona.

I was so prepared to see it, but was not prepared for it! Makes sense? LOL
It's a must to have a really good flashlight; we used one plus a head lamp and our phones. You can explore the whole cave on your own but that would be creepy so bring a buddy or group! You should also wear a jacket when down there, it is cold even this time of year.

We arrived at noon and there were a couple of people mostly leaving rather than entering. It was definitely eerie down there!

It was truly an adventure exploring the cave, driving on some rugged dirt roads through the national forest on the way there and noticed there was a gravel road that went the whole way to the forest so we took the easier way out! 🤣✌️

WARNING: Take the same road you took coming in to avoid getting lost in the forest. We took Service Rd 171.

For more outdoor adventures, follow @Bodintures2
skinwalkerranch
Review dated 23 Apr 2023
Hiked 11 miles past closed roads. WORTH IT!
My favorite cave so far in America. I hate writing a review because I don't want this incredible hidden gem to be over run with tourists.
Ladylyndon
Review dated 25 Giu 2017
Un fiume di lava
Impressionante colata lavica , ci sono dei sentieri per camminarci "dentro", inserita in un parco dove si può campeggiare. Molto interessante , non avevo mai visto da vicino niente di simile.
70sofiag
Review dated 24 Dic 2016
Experiencia Increible
Recorrer esta cueva es realmente una aventura diferente, fuera de lo común. No es para claustrofóbicos ya que se llega a la misma a través de un túnel de casi un kilómetro y medio. Es fundamental llevar una linterna ya que el túnel es oscuro y no se v nada sino. Y si sos friolento, también algo de abrigo ya que por momentos se siete frio. Pero definitivamente la experiencia vale la pena.
edgardog350
Review dated 15 Dic 2016
Una cueva para recorrer.
Esta cueva que tiene un largo de kilómetro y medio es una aventura para los más arriesgados. Se llega a la misma por un túnel. Recomiendo llevar linterna y ropa de abriga porque dentro hace frío
lounge7
Review dated 08 Dic 2016
etwas abgelegene und sehr abenteurliche Höhle mit einer Meile Länge, ohne Eintritt
Ein tolles, kostenloses Abenteuer, unbedingt zu empfehlen! Die vor tausenden von Jahren durch einen Lavastrom entstandene Höhle ist etwas abseits von Flagstaff im Wald gelegen und z. B. mit Orientierungshilfe von Google Maps nur über ca. 2,5 Meilen nichtzementierte Waldwege zu erreichen. Gerade abends/nachts sollte bei der Anfahrt Vorsicht verwendet werden, weil die Zufahrtswege große Schlaglöcher und Gräben aufweisen und teilweise vereist sind. Bei entsprechender Fahrweise und ohne Schnee kommt man aber auch mit einem normalen PKW ohne besondere Bodenhöhe zur Höhle. Der Einstieg erfolgt auf eigene Gefahr; einen Parkdienst oder Eintrittsgebühren gibt es hier nicht, was den Besuch aber um so spannender gestaltet. Der Einstieg in die Höhle kann etwas schwieriger ausfallen, weil hier noch recht große Felsblöcke zu umklettern sind, speziell bei Frost draußen. In der Höhle selbst ist es aber durchgehend gleich warm (ca. 5 Grad Celsius), sodass man weder Handschuhe noch Winterjacke benötigt. Stirn- und Taschenlampen sind ein Muss, ebenso würde ich gutes Schuhwerk und einen sicheren Tritt empfehlen, auch wenn der Boden nach dem Eingangsbereich immer ebener wird. Verlaufen kann man sich nicht: Nach ca. einer halben Meile teilt sich die Höhle zwar in zwei Tunnel auf, von denen man im rechten auch ein kurzes Stück kriechen muss, aber am Ende vereinigen sich beide Tunnel wieder. Das Ende der Höhle ist klar erkennbar. Die Höhle wird regelmäßig von Einheimischen und Touristen besucht. Vor Getier braucht man sich nicht zu fürchten; das Ökosystem der Höhle ist durch den vielen Menschenbesuch schon lange hin, so dass nicht einmal Insekten den Weg hier runter wagen. Geologisch Interessierte werden aber trotzdem ihren Spaß haben und können verschiedene Metallrückstände im Fels entdecken. Auch ganz alleine kann man die Höhle getrost durchwandern, allerdings sollte man auf andere Besucher gefasst sein und Notfallbatterien dabei haben.
338anac338
Review dated 01 Nov 2016
Un buen paseo pero no para todo el mundo
Ir a este lugar es una buena excursión. Hay que caminar bastante y llevar ropa de abrigo porque ahí adentro baja mucho la temperatura.
PoisonVivi
Review dated 27 Ago 2014
Petite frayeur mais bon moment
Loin de tous, cette cave est impressionnante de part son obscurité totale. On s'enfonce dans un tunnel qui paraît sans fin et on peut admirer les surfaces brillantes des murs. Attention, il faut prévoir lampe de poche et bonnes chaussures pour ne pas glisser.
☝️Each review represents the personal opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC or MeTour.it. Tripadvisor conducts checks on reviews as part of industry-leading reliability and safety standards. More info on the Tripadvisor website. The total number of reviews published on this page of MeTour.it may be fewer than indicated on Tripadvisor. This occurs because we select only the 15 most recent reviews and do not include reviews written in languages other than those supported by this site.
42 €
Purchase
Wishlist
Added to the list!
ercolano
Other Proposals in the City
Biglietti per Navi e Traghetti Grimaldi Lines