Lehman Caves

Lehman Caves Review

In 1885, rancher and miner Absalom Lehman discovered the underground wonder that's now named after him. Although the name suggests that there's more than one cave here, Lehman is a single limestone and marble cavern ¼ mi long. Inside, stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, flowstone, popcorn, and other bizarre mineral formations cover almost every surface. Lehman Caves is one of the best places to see rare shield formations, created when calcite-rich water is forced from tiny cracks in a cave wall, ceiling, or floor. Year-round the cave maintains a constant, damp temperature of 50°F, so wear a light jacket and nonskid shoes when you take the tour. Guided tours conducted by the park service run 60-90 minutes; the full 90-minute tour route is just over ½ mi round-trip. Children under age 5 are not allowed on the 90-minute tours; those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Tours run four times a day. Next to the cave visitor center, peek into Rhodes Cabin, where black-and-white photographs of the park's earlier days line the walls.