Lehman Caves Tour, Lehman Caves Visitor Center, Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Lehman Caves Tour - .4 miles
Lehman Caves Visitor Center
| Round-Trip Length: | .4 miles (Grand Palace Tour is .8 miles) |
| Start-End Elevation: | 6,946' - 6,946' |
| Elevation Change: | NA |
| Skill Level: | Easy |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Lehman Caves Tour - .4 Miles Round-Trip
Great Basin National Park contains over 40 known caves that fall into four distinct groups: Lehman Hill, Baker Creek, Snake Creek and Alpine.
Many of these caves are believed to have formed together through hydrological and / or structural processes and showcase unique formations such as shields, which are found in only a few dozen U.S. caves.
The Lehman Caves, Little Muddy Cave, Lehman Annex and Root Cave comprise the Lehman Hill Cave System. Their proximity and similar passage orientations suggest they may have formed from a single drainage network.
The Lehman Annex is the highest in the system at 7300', and thought to be the first to form. Lehman Cave and Root Cave are located at 7000' and probably formed around the same time. Little Muddy Cave is at 6800' and may have served as a spring for the cave system at some point.
The Snake Creek Cave is approximately 1700' long and is the only 'wild' cave where qualified visitors are permitted.
High Pit Cave (Alpine System) is the highest solution cave in the park at 11,200', and Long Cold Cave (10,000') is the deepest at 480'.
The Lehman Caves are best know for shields, cylindrical formations resembling their name distinguished by two or more round plates with a thin crack between them. Shields tend to form in caves with highly factured limestone, and 'grow' at different angles on the floor, ceiling and walls.
The Lehman Caves have over 300 documented shields, a signifcant concentration; only ~80 out of thousands of U.S. caves have such formations.
The Caves Tour will highlight these and many other key features such as stalagtites, stalagmites, helictites, anthodites, drapes and popcorn. Ranger-led tours will also point out rare cave life including shrimp, bats and insects.
Tours fill quickly and tickets are often sold out, especially during peak season. Reservations are recommended.
Click here for Caves Tour Schedule
Lehman Caves Tour Ticket Reservations
Click for reservations through Reservations.gov
877.444.6777
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N39 00.356 W114 13.150 — Lehman Cave Visitor CEnter
Worth Noting
- The Lehman Caves were likely discovered in 1885 by Absalom Lehman. Discovery details are scarce and have have such formations. permutated through over 40 colorful stories.
Camping and Backpacking Information
DEVELOPED CAMPGROUNDS
There are 5 developed campgrounds in Great Basin National Park. Reservations are accepted only at Grey Cliffs, May - September:
- Lower Lehman Creek Campground | $12 per night | 7,300' | 11 sites
- Upper Lehman Creek Campground | $12 per night | 7,752' | 22 sites
- Wheeler Peak Campground | $12 per night | 9,886' | 37 sites
- Baker Creek Campground | $12 per night | 7,530' | 38 sites
- Grey Cliffs Campground | $12 per night | 7,530' | 16 sites
- Snake Creek Campground | No posted Fee | 7,800' | 12 sites
No fee or permit is required to backcountry camp in Great Basin National Park, however free registration at trailheads is strongly encouraged for safety.
- Camping is not permitted within 1/4 mile of any road or bristlecone pine grove.
- Campsites must be 100' away from any trail and water source, and 500' away from archeological sites.
- Fires are not permitted above 10,000', including Baker Lake and Johnson Lake. Fires may not be more than 2' wide, must be attended at all times and must be completely extinguished before departure. Stone fire rings are prohibited.
- Bristlecone pine wood may not be used for fires.
- Group size limited to 15 persons and/or 6 pack animals.
- 14 day max stay.
Rules and Regulations
Only the Lehman Caves are open to visitors, and they may only be entered on guided tours. All other caves are closed to the public.
Lehman Caves Tour Fees
Lodge Room Tour (60 minutes)
- Adults (16+): $8
- Youth (5-15): $4
- Senior Pass: $4
- Golden Access: 50% off
Grand Palace Tour (90 minutes)
- Adults (16+): $10
- Youth (5-15): $5
- Senior Pass: $5
- Golden Access: 50% off
Directions to Trailhead
The Lehman Caves Visitor Center is located 6 miles from the Highway 488 - 477 junction in Baker. From the junction, drive 6.0 miles up 488 to the Lehman Caves Visitor Center.
Contact Information
Great Basin National Park
100 Great Basin National Park
Baker, NV 89311
775.234.7331
8 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday
Lehman Cave Tours Ticket Reservations
Click for reservations through Reservations.gov
877.444.6777
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