News Release

Lehman Caves close Oct. 20 for lighting replacement project

Date: September 26, 2025
Contact: Travis Mason-Bushman, [phone]

BAKER, Nev. – Great Basin National Park’s Lehman Caves will close to the public on October 20, as park staff and contractors begin work on a six-month, $5.8 million project to replace the cave’s 48-year-old, failing electric lights. Project completion is planned for late spring 2026.

During the closure, park staff and volunteers will work together to expose and remove five miles of obsolete wiring, some of it dating to the original 1941 system. Contractors will install an all-new lighting system using modern technology to better illuminate the cave while protecting the fragile cave environment.

“I am excited to visualize a brighter future for Lehman Caves visitors next summer,” said park superintendent Ashley Adams. “These new lights will ensure safe and enjoyable experiences underground for decades to come.”

Emergency phones will be installed at several locations within the cave to provide reliable safety communications. The project is funded by revenue from land sales through the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act.

Approximately two-thirds of a mile of Lehman Caves’ passages are lighted for public tours, with existing lights dating to 1977. Last fall, a significant section of lights failed and forced the closure of about one-quarter mile of the cave. Park staff were unable to make repairs, as replacement parts are no longer available for the obsolete system.

While plans were already underway to replace cave lighting, the partial system failure added new urgency to the project.

Great Basin National Park will continue to be open throughout the cave closure. Great Basin Visitor Center is open daily, with staff providing information about other winter recreational opportunities in the park including snowshoeing, skiing, and hiking.