Things To Do
in Lehman
Lehman is best known for Lehman Caves and its location adjacent to Great Basin National Park in eastern Nevada, a high‑desert and alpine landscape of limestone caverns, bristlecone pines and rugged mountain peaks. The area is rural and sparsely populated, with a small service community for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the park and surrounding wilderness. Visitors come for guided cave tours, alpine hikes (including Wheeler Peak), astrophotography and the quiet, wide‑open skies.
Expect a remote, low‑light environment ideal for stargazing and a slower pace of life compared with Nevada’s urban centers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Lehman and check into your cozy accommodation. Take a moment to settle in before heading out for a leisurely breakfast at a local café. Enjoy the fresh air as you stroll around the quaint town atmosphere.
Visit the local art galleries showcasing the talents of local artists and pick up a few unique souvenirs. Explore the nearby parks for a serene walk, appreciating the natural beauty that surrounds you. Stop for lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant to experience the local cuisine.
Dine at a charming bistro where you can savor regional dishes paired with local wines. After dinner, take a guided ghost tour to learn about the town's spooky history. Relax by the fireplace at your accommodation, reflecting on your first day in Lehman.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, then gear up for a day filled with outdoor excitement. Explore the nearby hiking trails, right from the doorstep of your accommodation. Breathe in the crisp, clean air as you embark on a scenic hike.
Break for lunch at a scenic spot where you can bask in the beauty of nature around you. Continue your adventure with an afternoon of mountain biking or kayaking on local lakes. Experience the thrill of outdoor activities that the region is famous for.
Return to town to freshen up and unwind after a day of adventure. Enjoy a casual dinner at a lively pub filled with locals and travelers alike. Cap off the evening with a night walk under the starlit sky or join a local gathering for music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-20 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🏨Night in a basic lodge or motel | $80-180 |
| ⛽Gas (per gallon) | $3.50-5.00 |
| 🎟️Park entrance / cave tour fee | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning, unpolluted dark skies—excellent for stargazing and astrophotography
- Unique natural attractions like Lehman Caves and ancient bristlecone pines
- Quiet, low‑crowd outdoor experiences and close contact with nature
- Very remote with limited services, restaurants and lodging options
- High elevation can cause altitude sickness for unacclimatized visitors
- Seasonal road and trail closures; cell service and amenities can be sparse
Places to Visit in Lehman
Visit one of these nice places.
An ornate limestone cave system with delicate formations—photography during guided tours is sometimes restricted (no flash or tripods), so check rules and bring a fast lens for low light if permitted.
High alpine viewpoints provide sweeping vistas of the valley and mountain silhouettes; golden hour and sunrise offer dramatic lighting for landscape shots.
Photograph ancient, twisted bristlecone pines against stark skies or sunrise backlighting—these trees are some of the oldest living organisms on Earth.
Reflective lake surfaces framed by peaks are excellent for composition—calm mornings often yield mirror reflections.
With minimal light pollution, the night skies are spectacular—bring a wide‑angle lens and a sturdy tripod for long exposures of the Milky Way and star trails.
Food in Lehman
Lehman Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshwater trout prepared simply at local lodges or small restaurants—look for trout sourced from nearby streams and alpine lakes.
Must-Try!
Game meat burgers are common at rural Nevada eateries, often served with fries—good option to sample local ranching and hunting traditions.
Big breakfasts fuel a day of hiking: eggs, potatoes, sausage or bacon and biscuits are typical at local diners and lodges.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small town general stores and grocery outlets sell basic supplies, sandwiches, coffee and trail snacks—plan ahead, as offerings are limited and specialty items scarce.
In summer, look for roadside stands and markets in larger nearby towns offering local produce, preserves and baked goods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Follow Leave No Trace principles in the national park and wilderness areas—pack out trash, stay on trails and respect cave rules to protect fragile formations.
Greet locals and staff courteously, expect friendly conversation; small communities value respectful behavior and quiet hours.
Much of the surrounding land is private ranch or grazing property—do not trespass, and keep dogs under control to avoid conflicts with livestock.
Safety
Tipping in Lehman
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard U.S. tipping customs apply: 15–20% in sit‑down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and a few dollars for hotel housekeeping or shuttle drivers. In very small establishments or for limited service, tipping is appreciated but assess based on service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in lodges and larger businesses, but many rural vendors prefer cash or have minimum card amounts. ATMs may be infrequent—carry some cash for remote purchases and gas stations.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm daytime temperatures but cool nights; ideal for hiking and camping. Afternoon thunderstorms can occur; bring layers, sunscreen and plenty of water. Peak visitor season means busier trails and cave tours.
Crisp days and colorful alpine changes at higher elevations; fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Early snow is possible late in the season—pack warm layers and check trail conditions.
Cold with significant snow at higher elevations; many roads and trails may be closed or require snow‑capable vehicles. Lehman Caves tours may operate on a reduced schedule—expect quiet, off‑season calm and winter recreation like snowshoeing in accessible areas.
Variable weather with snowmelt and muddy trails; wildflowers start appearing at lower elevations later in the season. Some higher trails remain snowbound—verify park access and road openings.
Lehman at Night
Hiking in Lehman
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A strenuous but rewarding hike to Nevada’s high alpine summit (over 13,000 ft) with extensive views, alpine meadows and possible snow patches late into summer—allow for altitude and variable weather.
Moderate trail leading to ancient bristlecone pines—excellent for photography and to observe some of the oldest living trees on Earth.
A scenic hike to reflective alpine lakes surrounded by peaks—suitable as a day hike with opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Lower elevation walks and interpretive routes near the visitor center and cave area—good for families and shorter excursions.
Airports
How to reach Lehman by plane.
A small regional airport serving Ely and the surrounding area—limited commercial service but the closest airport for surface access; expect a drive of roughly 1–2 hours to Lehman/Great Basin area.
Major international airport with wide flight options; approximately a 4–5 hour drive (or longer depending on route) — good option for national and international visitors renting a car.
Las Vegas international airport with frequent flights and rental car availability; driving to Lehman/Great Basin is long (roughly 4.5–6 hours), but it’s an option for visitors combining trips with Nevada destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longstanding local families involved in ranching and agriculture shape the rural culture and economy.
Visitors drawn to Great Basin National Park include hikers, cave enthusiasts, stargazers and photographers—population fluctuates seasonally with tourism.
Smaller towns in eastern Nevada often have older median ages and close community ties; services and social life reflect this quieter demographic.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Given the mountainous terrain, hiking and trail running are popular among residents and visitors for fitness and recreation.
Anglers fish alpine lakes and streams for trout; seasonal fishing is a common pastime.
Dirt roads and wide open landscapes in the region attract off‑road vehicle enthusiasts—adhere to land use rules and stay on designated routes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lehman.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited; expect salads, vegetable sides and egg dishes at diners. Bring supplemental snacks (protein bars, nuts) and be ready to ask chefs to adapt dishes.
Vegan and strict gluten‑free choices are scarce in remote areas—plan ahead by packing specialized food or driving to a larger town before arrival.