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Have you ever wanted to explore a wild cave but don’t know where to start? Do you want to understand the environment cave scientists work in? Then Great Basin National Park's CaveSim might be for you! Crawl and climb through CaveSim, located outside the Great Basin Visitor Center, while practicing cave safety and getting hands-on learning about the underground world.
CaveSim is a ranger-led program, available as staffing allows. Check the park calendar for open dates.
What is CaveSim?
CaveSim is a fun, immersive experience for visitors ages 5 & up that makes caving accessible to a wide audience. Containing 140 feet of simulated cave passages, CaveSim was custom-built for Great Basin National Park and inspired by Lehman Caves. Inside CaveSim, visitors will find speleothems (cave formations), bats and other cave life, historic artifacts, and more.
But unlike Lehman Caves, there is no easy walking trail. Visitors will have to crawl, climb, and squeeze through various passages to explore the cave. Also unlike Lehman Caves, this means touching the cave walls and floors to navigate – but be careful where you touch! CaveSim is equipped with sensors that activate when sensitive, fragile resources are touched (accidentally or otherwise) to help guide your footing.
Outside of the trailer, join a ranger for Q&A sessions and more hands-on activities on various cave science and preservation topics. The CaveSim experience usually takes 30 minutes, so plan your day accordingly.
CaveSim Rules & Safety
Helmets and gloves are required and provided by NPS. Visitors do not need to bring gear to explore CaveSim – but should bring curiosity, flexibility, and a desire to experience something new.
Visitors 15 and under are required to have adult supervision, whether inside the CaveSim or waiting outside the trailer. Visitors under 5 are prohibited from entering CaveSim.
Though not a real cave, CaveSim is not a playground. Running, pushing, jumping, and roughhousing are prohibited inside and outside the trailer. A ranger will remove a group or part of a group from CaveSim if they are disruptive.
No bags are allowed inside CaveSim, and all items from pockets should be removed. Belts and watches may snag on rough surfaces, so it is recommended to remove them before entering as well.
Claustrophobia and unease can be experienced in CaveSim due to the tight spaces inherent in cave environments. You have the option of being escorted out if these feelings are overwhelming for you or any group members.
Group Tours & Field Trips
CaveSim is a great educational tool for schools and families. To arrange tours for your classroom or large groups (20+ visitors), please contact the park via email or call (775) 234-7521.
