You know those things that you experienced as a child that are just so amazing you remember them forever? When I was 11 my family took a little day trip to Lehman Caves in Great Basin National Park. For the last 21 years I’ve wanted to go back, and finally last weekend we did.
I was a little worried that I had built it up to Court and the girls (because we all have those childhood memories too) but it turned out to be even better than I remember.
It is super inexpensive ($10 for adults and $5 for kids) and the 1 1/2 hour tour is loaded with amazing information about the history of Lehman caves, the guy that discovered it, and the way people used them before the concept of conservation ever came into play. (Something about the rule “If you can break it, you can take it") The ranger was super knowledgeable about the caves (and super patient with Dylan’s millions of questions).
The picture below is in the Music Room, the wall on the left looks like its filled with organ pipes and they say that if you bang on the stalactites they all play different musical notes (which no one has heard for the last 70 years because its not good for the cave,,,)
My pictures aren’t the best because they have a no tripod rule, but I had to share with you guys. It was a great way to spend a weekend. If you visit the caves, take the drive up to Wheeler Point (its 13,000 feet above sea level!!)
I swear I start every summer with the best of family fun intentions, and every summer I’ve only crossed a few off the list when its time to go back to school. So here is the deal, if you’re looking for a fun little trip this is such a great one.
Do you have a favorite place to take your family? Don’t leave us in the dark!! xo
Two summers ago we went to Cave of the Winds in Colorado Springs, CO. These pictures reminded me a lot of that. It was so cool and interesting to see all the natural details formed so long ago!
Beautiful photos!!! 🙂
wow, wow, wow. prettier than anything we try to replicate in out homes, eh?!! i love our trips to the sequoias. those trees are alive, and talking!
Those are gorgeous photos! Reminds me of when I went on a cave trip in New Zealand.
Wow, fantastic! So you’re in St. George, right? My parents just moved there in December (from southern CA). How long is the drive to this spot?? I’d love to recommend this to them. Heck, next time I head out there for a visit, I want to go there! Zion is on the list of places to see, too, of course. -Misty
cool – the badlands are that place for me. sent you an email!
Hi Mandy! Before I even start with this… I’ve gotta say, I’ve been a long-time VR reader. Like, even way back when you used to antique everything, then paint it yellow! Ha! I still think it’s cute. Anywho, my day job lets me work with the National Park Foundation and I think it would be suppppppper cool to feature your story on http://www.findyourpark.com. If you’re interested, let me know! I’d be happy to get everything set up for you!
For sure!!! Thanks lady!!
Your family photos crack me up, love them 🙂
omg beautiful caves!!
The cave photos are awesome, I wish we had caves here in Florida–but honestly I just keep coming back to that family photo. Hahahahahaha…..
WOW!! Thank you so much for these pictures. My husband and I had a backpacking trip planned there back in 2011 and the day we woke up to leave, I took a pregnancy test just to be sure before we left. Positive. We stayed home and I will always wonder what the place is like. We live so far away now who knows if we’ll get there, so thanks again for this awesome post!
Luray caverns here in Virginia! Probably just as or not as exciting as your caves. But it’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen!
We were just there and it was amazing. When the park ranger asked “any questions?” my 5 year old says, “yes. How old are you?” The ranger said,” I’m 35 and just like the cave, I’m still growing and changing.” Then we turned to leave and my 7 year old bonked his head on a particular cave structure and “boooooooonnnnnnnngggggggg” so loud. Then my 5 year old says, “Well that’s not going to grow anymore”. We were a hot mess in there.
I live in NM and you HAVE to come see Carlsbad Caverns!