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!
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.
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
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
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
- 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

Durata: 2 ore
Vesuvius Park: Hike on trail No. 9, Lava River accepts special requests. Add them in the next step!
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Special Needs
2 dedicated services from Vesuvius Park: Hike on trail No. 9, Lava River
Not suitable for people with limited mobility
This activity is not suitable for people with limited mobility or a motor disability
Not suitable for families with children
This activity is not suitable for families with small children or in wheelchairs

4.5
Excellent
462 reviews
#9 of 98 things to do in Flagstaff

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 😁

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
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

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 🙃
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 🙃

Review dated 18 Giu 2023
Interesting to Explore
You have to check out Lava River Cave!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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We arrived at noon and there were a couple of people mostly leaving rather than entering. It was definitely eerie down there!
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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! 🤣✌️
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WARNING: Take the same road you took coming in to avoid getting lost in the forest. We took Service Rd 171.
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For more outdoor adventures, follow @Bodintures2
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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.
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For more outdoor adventures, follow @Bodintures2

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.
ercolano
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