Has anyone else here explored other caves before?” Nearly everyone in the room raised their hand. He added, “Well, ours is better than those.”
I chuckled, having been through my fair share of caves. But to be honest, he wasn’t too far off the mark. Lehman Caves is one of the most remarkable cave systems globally.
About Lehman Caves
Discovered in the 19th century by Absalom Lehman, these limestone caves were quickly seen for their tourism potential. Indigenous tribes knew about the caves long before, and evidence shows they had explored parts of it.
Stretching over 2 miles, Lehman Caves is the longest known cave system in Nevada, boasting some of the finest speleothems (cave formations) found anywhere. Unlike many caves in the area that lack formations, Lehman Caves is richly adorned.
Early tours relied on candlelight, leaving burn marks that can still be seen today in rooms like the Inscription Room. Even after becoming a national monument in 1922, these markings continued to proliferate post-World War II, bearing even the names of rangers. Thankfully, the caves received stricter protections when the area became a national park in 1986.
Cave Tours
There are three tours available at Lehman Caves:
Grand Palace Tour: This is the longest tour, lasting 90 minutes. You’ll visit the Gothic Palace, Music Room, Lodge Room, Inscription Room, and Grand Palace, including the stunning Parachute Cave Shield.
Lodge Room Tour: A 60-minute tour that covers the Gothic Palace, Music Room, and Lodge Room.
Gothic Palace Tour: The shortest tour at 30 minutes, focusing solely on the spacious Gothic Palace. This is the most accessible option, ideal for families with small children or those on tight schedules.
Tour Details:
– All tours are limited to about 20 people.
– The Grand Palace Tour includes all areas covered by the shorter tours, making it the best option for comprehensive exploration.
Reservations
You’ll need tickets to join any cave tour, and these are highly sought after. Tours can be booked in two ways—though same-day options aren’t available online:
1. Online at recreation.gov: You’ll need to create an account.
2. In-person at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center: Reservations open at 10 am (ET)/7 am (PT) 30 days in advance. Tours run year-round, excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Generally, tours proceed even during bad weather, but check for road closures.
Pro Tips:
– If you’re visiting in summer, book online well in advance to secure your spot.
– Be aware of time zone differences; the park operates on Pacific Time, which may differ from your phone’s settings.
Tour Costs
– Lodge Tour: $12 for adults (16+) and $6 for children (5-15)
– Grand Palace Tour: $15 for adults (16+) and $8 for children (5-15)
– Gothic Palace Tour: $5 for adults (16+) and $2 for children (5-15)
Can’t Get a Reservation?
If you can’t secure a reservation and are already in Great Basin National Park, it’s worth arriving early to check with the rangers. Cancellations and changes sometimes free up tickets. Calling ahead might help, but rangers usually know about availability only on the day. Arrive early, as same-day slots fill up fast.
Notes:
– During peak seasons, additional morning tours might be added, but you can only book these in person at the visitor center.
What to Bring and Avoid
What to Bring:
– A light coat: The cave maintains a cool temperature year-round.
– A mask: Might be required due to federal regulations.
– Your reservation info: Cell service may be spotty, so have your details handy and check in at least 15 minutes early to avoid missing your slot.
What to Avoid:
– Don’t wear clothing or accessories that have entered any other cave systems to prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome, which is deadly to bats.
– No bags, food, drinks, gum, or tobacco products.
– Avoid tripods, selfie sticks, large lenses, pets, or strollers.
– If you’re claustrophobic, reconsider, as tight spaces can be uncomfortable.
– Do not touch cave surfaces to protect their natural growth.
– Let rangers know if you can’t handle complete darkness; lights are switched off briefly during the tour.
Quick Tips and FAQs
– Reserve tickets online at Recreation.gov.
– Book an early tour to simplify your visit.
– Arrive by 8 am if you don’t have a reservation or seek to change an existing one.
– Keep an eye on your time zone settings.
– Avoid bringing bags, food, or anything that could harm the cave’s ecosystem.
– Bring a jacket for comfort.
– Be bat-safe: Avoid cross-contamination by wearing new clothes and disinfecting equipment.
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Lehman Caves is a must-see for any cave enthusiast, offering unparalleled beauty and historical significance. Make sure to plan ahead and follow the guidelines for an unforgettable experience!