Lava Beds National Monument in California is transitioning to winter hours.
The visitor center hours are now 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Also, camping fees are $20 per night per site. At least half of the campground stays open all year, with “B” loop of the campground and the group campsite typically closing in late-November.
When visiting Lava Beds National Monument, visitors are reminded that a cave permit and an entrance fee are required. While entrance fees can be handled via a self-pay station outside the visitor center, or online at recreation.gov, a cave permit can only be obtained from the visitor center. Visitors should arrive within visitor center hours if they are planning to visit a cave. Winter cave closures to protect hibernating bats typically take effect October 15.
During the winter snowy season, the monument’s maintenance staff will keep the main park road open from the northern boundary entrances to Valentine Cave. Forest Service Rd 49 going towards Medicine Lake and Forest Service Rd 10 between Lava Beds and Tionesta are not plowed during the winter and can become impassable.
