Lehman Caves

In total, the cave’s delicate ecosystem is home to over 300 rare rock and shield formations, as well as a number of small bugs and animals, including multiple species of bat, spiders, and a pseudoscorpion that is endemic to the Great Basin National park cave system.

When you look from the outside at the mountains of Great Basin National Park, you might never guess that miles of cavernous chambers rest within. Once you enter the cave system, you’ll find yourself in a magnificent cathedral-like space, with elegant rock structures and delicate geological filigree covering the walls.

The Lehman Caves became a National Monument in 1922 and were integrated into the National Park system in 1986. The caves were discovered in the late 1880s, and there is evidence that they were once used as a burial site for Indian tribes. In the following decades, the natural wonder was home to everything from weddings to a speakeasy.

One of Lehman’s most eye-catching features is the Parachute, an enormous shield in the “Grand Palace” that hangs about 20 feet off the ground. Shields are formations that grow out of cracks in the wall that flow with calcium carbonate-infused water, creating a clam-like shape.

The caves can only be accessed through guided tours led by park rangers, which are offered year-round except for major holidays, and allow you to explore the interior of spaces such as the Gothic Palace and Music Room.

The Lehman Caves are in Great Basin National Park, which is located in east-central Nevada, five miles west of the town of Baker. The nearest airport is in Ely, Nevada (70 miles distance), and there are multiple highway routes that will get you there by car. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival or in advance.

Content originally created for Atlas Obscura.