Big Tubes Trail

The Big Tubes Trail is considered extremely strenuous. Its difficulty comes from the rugged, uneven, and sharp 'a'ā lava terrain, which makes footing precarious and progress slow. Hikers should be prepared for a challenging experience.

While the surface trail is approximately two miles long, hikers should allow ample time for exploration, often as much as a morning. The extremely strenuous terrain means you'll move slowly, making the actual hiking time longer than expected for its distance.

The trail traverses an otherworldly landscape primarily composed of sharp, unstable 'a'ā lava flows. You'll encounter collapsed lava tubes, boulder-filled depressions, and jagged basalt. Footing is difficult, and sturdy, high-top hiking boots are essential. The trail is marked by rock cairns, which can be challenging to spot in the rocky environment.

The trail offers dramatic volcanic formations, including numerous lava bridges, collapsed tubes, and expansive 'a'ā lava flows. Highlights include "Seven Bridges," "Four Windows," and "Big Skylight Cave." Inside the caves, you might discover moss gardens and, seasonally, impressive ice formations like icicles and stalagmite gardens of ice.

Due to the extremely sharp and jagged lava terrain, the trail is not ideal for dogs. If you do bring a dog, heavy-duty booties are strongly advised to protect their paws, or it's suggested to leave them at home for their safety.

The trail can be hiked year-round, but conditions vary. Winter offers the unique opportunity to see impressive ice formations within the caves. However, the remote nature and challenging terrain mean you should always check weather conditions before heading out, as extreme temperatures can add to the difficulty.

Driving to the Big Tubes Trailhead can be an adventure itself. It often requires a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle, and road conditions can vary greatly, sometimes becoming impassable. Parking is available at the trailhead, but be prepared for potentially rough access roads.

While the Big Tubes Trail itself doesn't require a specific hiking permit, free permits are required if you plan to explore the undeveloped wilderness caves. As the trail is located within El Malpais National Monument, general park entrance fees may apply. For the most current information on permits and fees, please check the official National Park Service website: nps.gov.

Given the trail's remote and strenuous nature, you should bring plenty of water, a first-aid kit, and sturdy, high-top hiking boots. A GPS device is also recommended, as losing the cairn-marked trail is possible. For caving, safety gear like helmets, gloves, and kneepads are highly recommended.

Yes, the route primarily follows the Big Tubes Loop Trail. It also passes through sections of the Big Tubes Connector Trail and a trail designated as 300.

No, the Big Tubes Trail is rated as extremely strenuous and is not suitable for beginners or families with young children. The uneven, sharp lava terrain makes footing precarious and requires significant physical exertion and careful attention to avoid injury. It's best for experienced hikers seeking a challenging adventure.