Lehman Caves

Lehman Caves is one of the largest and most dazzling cave systems in the Silver State and has been stunning visitors since the 1800s. This immaculate cave system was discovered by Absalom Lehman in the late 1880s after experiencing an uncharacteristically cool breeze coming out of the ground. After climbing inside a modest natural entrance, Absalom became enchanted with the otherworldly array of stalactites and stalagmites before him. Soon, he began giving private cave tours to hundreds of visitors. 

By 1922, the elaborate cave system had garnered a following and reputation. It was designated Lehman Caves National Monument, and then later absorbed by Great Basin National Park in 1986. Great Basin wows with crowdless alpine lake trails, some of the tallest peaks in the state, the world’s oldest living trees, and the brightest stars beneath the darkest skies. 

Like the park’s other incredible natural features, Lehman Caves is sure to satisfy. While most other caves have a couple shield formations, Lehman Caves stuns with more than 300. The cave’s intricate ecosystem is also home to a handful of creatures found nowhere else on Earth—like the pseudoscorpion—along with many other insects, bat species, and spiders.

Lehman Caves Tours 

Lehman Caves is only accessible via 30-minute, 60-minute, and 90-minute tours that explore different parts of the elaborate cave system. 

Tours are limited to 20 visitors per time slot, and tours tend to sell out quickly. Before planning your trip to Lehman Caves and Great Basin National Park, be sure to visit Great Basin’s website for the most current tour information.

Parachute Shield Tour

From November to May, the only tour option is the 60-minute Parachute Shield Tour. The tour is about 0.35 miles long and is open to all ages. The tour visits the Lodge Room, the Inscription Room, the Cypress Swamp, the Grand Palace, and the Sunken Garden sections of Lehman Caves, including a chance to view the famous Parachute Shield formation. Along the way, you’ll discover cave shields, historic graffiti, and bubble trails—all testament to the cave’s colorful past.

Grand Palace Tour 

If you’ve never had the chance to see Lehman Caves, definitely go for this option. This 90-minute tour is the longest available option, and visits the Gothic Palace, the Music Room, the Lodge Room, Inscription Room, and the Grand Palace sections of Lehman Caves. It also includes a chance to view the Parachute Shield formation—the most famous of all the formations in Lehman Caves. Children 5 and under are not allowed on this tour.

Lodge Room Tour 

If you’re running short on time, opt for the Lodge Room Tour. This 60-minute tour does not go as deep into the cave as the Grand Palace tour, and is great for families with young kids. This tour explores the Gothic Room, Music Room, and Lodge Room sections. 

Gothic Palace Tour

The Gothic Palace Tour is just 30-minutes and allows visitors with limited time or mobility issues a chance to see the first large chamber of Lehman Caves, The Gothic Palace.

Lehman Caves Camping

“Half the Park is After Dark.” See what they mean by reserving your campsite within Great Basin National Park at several developed campgrounds found throughout the park. Closest to Lehman Caves, Upper Lehman Creek Campground or Lower Lehman Creek Campground are open year round. More camping can be found further away from the caves at higher elevations with seasonal access, like Baker Creek Campground, Grey Cliffs Group Campground, and Wheeler Peak Campground. 

Great Basin National Park Visitor Centers

Great Basin National Park has two visitor centers: one on the outskirts of Baker, and one within the park. The second location inside the park boundary is also the entrance to Lehman Caves. Here you’ll discover fascinating educational exhibits, two short video presentations, the Forgotten Winchester rifle display, the Great Basin Association bookstore, a gift shop, and cafe.