The Nevada Cave Tour At Great Basin National Park That Belongs On Your Bucket List
When’s the last time you checked something off your bucket list? With so much to do and see here in Nevada, choosing your next adventure can be tough! No matter what, near the top of your list should be this fantastic cave tour of Lehman Caves in Great Basin National Park. Widely considered one of the park’s most awe-inspiring attractions, visiting this cave and seeing its bizarre features up close is bound to leave you floored.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
There's a lot of beauty waiting to be discovered at Great Basin National Park in Nevada but the great Lehman Caves should most definitely be at the top of your list. This incredible cavern can only be entered with a guided tour, and seeing its bizarre showcase of geologic beauty is a must.
Declared a national monument by President Warren G. Harding in 1922, Lehman Caves has long inspired us with its otherworldly beauty. In fact, tours of the massive cavern have been held since the 1920s, back when they charged just a dollar per person (free if you were under 12.)
Researchers believe the beginnings of Lehman Caves can be traced back up to 600 million years ago when a warm and shallow sea covered the majority of what is now known as Nevada and Utah.
Tours of this majestic cave system are offered daily, year-round, except for major holidays. Each tour is led by a knowledgable park ranger who will tell you all about the cave's fascinating history, ecology, and geology.
There are actually two different tours that are regularly offered: the Lodge Room Tour and the Grand Palace Tour. The Lodge Room Tour is around 60 minutes long and highlights areas around the cave known as the Gothic Palace, Music Room, and Lodge Room. It's ideal for families with young children.
Alternatively, the Grand Palace Tour is around 90-minutes long and open to adults and children that are at least 5 years old. It highlights all of the cave sections observed on the Lodge Room Tour, plus the Inscription Room and the Grand Palace. It most notably gives you a chance to view the cave's iconic "Parachute Shield" formation.
Cave tours are temporarily canceled due to the pandemic, but you'll want to keep an eye on when they decide to reopen. The cave tours regularly sell out and reservations made through Recreation.gov are highly recommended. Be sure to see this bizarre natural wonder soon!
Have you checked off this cave tour from your bucket list yet? If not, make it your mission to do so soon! If you HAVE seen Lehman Caves, be sure to share your experience and pictures in the comments below.
