Lehman Caves is a hidden gem in Nevada's Great Basin National Park. Inside this limestone cavern you'll see cave formations that are rare in this part of the country. Soda straws, cave popcorn, shields, stalactites, and cave bacon decorate this incredible natural wonder.
First discovered in the late 1800s by Absalom Lehman, this cave system has fascinated geologists, biologists and tourists alike. Early visitors explored the cave by candlelight, scrambling over rough rocks and squeezing through tight spaces. Today's visitors must enter the cave with a guided tour provided by the National Park Service. Each room is well-lit to permit easier viewing of the cave's features. The cave floor has been modified for easy footing. Tight spaces and unstable rock features have been closed off to the general public. The park service has worked hard to create an engaging, educational, and safe experience for the park visitor. The tour guide covers aspects of geology, biology, and human history of the caves while leading the group through various rooms in the cave.
The 90-minute Grand Palace Tour visits all rooms of the cave that are open to the public. Visitors five years of age and older can participate. The 60-minute Lodge Room tour visits fewer rooms of the cave and is open to everyone. An accessible Gothic Palace tour can also be arranged with the ranger that avoids stairs and narrow passageways.
Besides the occasional human, cave inhabitants include species of bats, millipedes, pseudoscorpions, and crickets that are found only in Great Basin National Park. You'd be lucky to see any of these on your trip through the cave.
If you show up for a cave tour on a hot summer day, remember that the inside temperature is 50 degrees with high humidity, so it feels quite damp and cold. Dress appropriately!
Cave tours are popular throughout the year, so it is recommended you register for a tour in advance by calling 775.234.7517.
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