Posted in Nevada Nature February 19, 2022 by

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 a famous national park to visit in Nevada. Widely considered one of the Great Basin National Park’s most awe-inspiring attractions, visiting this cave and seeing its bizarre features up close is bound to leave you floored.

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.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
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).
Akarsh Simha/Flickr
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.
John Elk via Getty Images
Tours of this majestic cave system are offered daily, year-round, except for major holidays. Each tour is led by a knowledgeable park ranger who will tell you all about the cave's fascinating history, ecology, and geology.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
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.
Mark Newman via Getty Images
Alternatively, the Grand Palace Tour is around 90-minutes long and open to adults and children who 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.
James Marvin Phelps/Flickr
Cave tours are currently available and you can reserve your spot up to 30 days in advance. The cave tours regularly sell out and reservations made through Recreation.gov are highly recommended. Be sure to see this bizarre natural wonder soon!
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

Have you checked off this cave tour from your bucket list yet and spent time in this incredible National Park to visit in Nevada? If not, make it your mission to do so soon! If you have seen Lehman Caves, be sure to share your experience and pictures with us.

Address: Lehman Caves Visitors Center Parking, Baker, NV 89311, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

National Park To Visit In Nevada

February 24, 2022
Meghan Byers

What are the best parks in Nevada?

Nevada is home to some truly stunning parks, including two national parks and 24 state parks. Valley of Fire State Park is full of gorgeous red sandstone formations, petrified trees, and petroglyphs that date back over 2,000 years, with an otherworldly landscape you’ll never forget. Cathedral Gorge State Park features dramatic, cathedral-like rock spires, formed from volcanic activity. The sometimes overlooked Kershaw-Ryan State Park is a desert oasis, with lush greenery in contrast to the rugged rock surrounding it. Lake Mead National Recreation Area, with its striking scenery and bright blue waters, stretches across southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona and makes for an excellent day trip from Las Vegas. To explore more of Nevada’s beauty, visit this guide to some of its best state parks.

What are the most scenic hiking trails in Nevada?

Nevada has a surprisingly diverse landscape to explore. Alpine Lakes Loop Trail in Great Basin National Park will take you to alpine lakes, verdant meadows, and ancient pine trees. Fire Wave Trail in Valley of Fire State Park leads you to Fire Wave Rock, an incredible striped sandstone formation that looks like a rolling wave. Cathedral Gorge State Park’s Cathedral Gorge Trail takes you through its stunning spires and slot canyons. And following Hunter Creek Trail in Toiyabe National Forest will reward you with views of a 30-foot waterfall. Looking to explore a slice of Nevada history, and maybe even stumble upon some ruins? Try these six hikes.

What are some other things to do outside in Nevada?

From boating on Lake Mead to horseback riding through Red Rock Canyon, there are so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors in the Silver State. Go tubing down the Truckee River, or swimming in Lake Tahoe. Try skiing or snowboarding on Mount Charleston. Visit the Virginia Range and see a historic herd of wild horses. There’s so much to explore outdoors in Nevada!

Address: Lehman Caves Visitors Center Parking, Baker, NV 89311, USA