Las Vegas is known for its glitz, glamour, and world-renowned entertainment. However, beneath the bright lights and bustling casinos lies a hidden world of natural wonder and mystery waiting to be explored. Las Vegas is home to numerous unexplored caves that offer a glimpse into the region’s geological history and breathtaking natural beauty.
From the towering stalactites and stalagmites to ancient cave paintings and crystal formations, Las Vegas caves have something for everyone. Whether you’re an experienced spelunker or a curious tourist, exploring these underground wonders is a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 15 unexplored caves in Las Vegas. We will provide information on their location, history, and what you can expect to see when exploring them.
We will also answer some frequently asked questions about exploring caves in Las Vegas and provide tips on how to prepare for your underground adventure.
Top 15 Unexplored Caves in Las Vegas
So put on your hiking boots, grab your flashlight, and let’s venture into the unknown depths of Las Vegas’s unexplored caves!
1. Lehman Caves
Lehman Caves is located in Great Basin National Park, approximately 5 hours from Las Vegas. The cave system features unique formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites. The cave tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide detailed information about the history and geology of the cave.
Lehman Caves is a limestone cave that has been open to visitors since 1922. The cave system features over 300 rare formations, including helictites, shields, and bacon strips. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave or explore on their own with a permit.
2. Grand Canyon Caverns
Grand Canyon Caverns is located in Peach Springs, Arizona, approximately 2 hours from Las Vegas. The cave system is over 200 feet below ground level and features a large chamber known as the “Great Room.” Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave or stay overnight in one of the underground suites.
The Grand Canyon Caverns are located on Route 66 and were discovered in 1927. The cave system is home to a variety of unique formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and draperies. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave or stay overnight in one of the underground suites.
3. Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave is located in the Sequoia National Park, approximately 6 hours from Las Vegas. The cave system features unique formations such as crystals, stalactites, and stalagmites. The cave tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide detailed information about the history and geology of the cave.
Crystal Cave is a marble cave that was discovered in 1918. The cave system features unique formations such as helictites, cave popcorn, and cave bacon. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave or explore on their own with a permit.
4. Timpanogos Cave
Timpanogos Cave is located in the American Fork Canyon, approximately 7 hours from Las Vegas. The cave system features unique formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and draperies. The cave tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide detailed information about the history and geology of the cave.
Timpanogos Cave is a limestone cave that was discovered in the 1880s. The cave system features unique formations such as soda straws, helictites, and cave bacon. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave or explore on their own with a permit.
5. Kartchner Caverns
Kartchner Caverns is located in Benson, Arizona, approximately 5 hours from Las Vegas. The cave system features a large chamber known as the “Big Room” that is filled with unique formations such as stalactites and helictites. The cave tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide detailed information about the history and geology of the cave.
Kartchner Caverns is a limestone cave that was discovered in 1974. The cave system features unique formations such as shields, flowstone, and soda straws. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave or explore on their own with a permit.
6. Lava River Cave
Lava River Cave is located in Flagstaff, Arizona, approximately 4 hours from Las Vegas. The cave system is the longest continuous lava tube in Arizona, stretching over 0.75 miles in length. The cave tours are self-guided, allowing visitors to explore the unique formations at their own pace.
Lava River Cave was formed by molten lava that flowed over 700,000 years ago. The cave system features unique formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and lava falls. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the cave or explore on their own with a permit.
7. Mitchell Caverns
Mitchell Caverns is located in the Mojave Desert, approximately 3 hours from Las Vegas. The cave system features unique formations such as helictites, draperies, and cave popcorn. The cave tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide detailed information about the history and geology of the cave.
Mitchell Caverns is a limestone cave that was discovered in the 1930s. The cave system features unique formations such as shield formations, helictites, and flowstone. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave or explore on their own with a permit.
8. Ape Cave
Ape Cave is located in Cougar, Washington, approximately 13 hours from Las Vegas. The cave system is the third-longest lava tube in North America, stretching over 2.5 miles in length. The cave tours are self-guided, allowing visitors to explore the unique formations at their own pace.
Ape Cave was formed by molten lava that flowed over 2,000 years ago. The cave system features unique formations such as lava falls, stalactites, and stalagmites. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the cave or explore on their own with a permit.
9. Oregon Caves
Oregon Caves is located in Cave Junction, Oregon, approximately 14 hours from Las Vegas. The cave system features unique formations such as helictites, cave bacon, and flowstone. The cave tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide detailed information about the history and geology of the cave.
Oregon Caves is a marble cave that was discovered in the 1800s. The cave system features unique formations such as cave pearls, cave popcorn, and draperies. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave or explore on their own with a permit.
10. Wind Cave
Wind Cave is located in the Wind Cave National Park, approximately 13 hours from Las Vegas. The cave system is one of the longest and most complex caves in the world, featuring unique formations such as boxwork and frostwork. The cave tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide detailed information about the history and geology of the cave.
Wind Cave is a limestone cave that was discovered in the 1800s. The cave system features unique formations such as popcorn formations, boxwork, and frostwork. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave or explore on their own with a permit.
11. Jewel Cave
Jewel Cave is located in Custer, South Dakota, approximately 17 hours from Las Vegas. The cave system is the third-longest cave in the world, featuring unique formations such as helictites and frostwork. The cave tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide detailed information about the history and geology of the cave.
Jewel Cave is a limestone cave that was discovered in the early 1900s. The cave system features unique formations such as dogtooth spar, cave pearls, and stalactites. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave or explore on their own with a permit.
12. Mammoth Cave
Mammoth Cave is located in Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, approximately 25 hours from Las Vegas. The cave system is the longest known cave system in the world, stretching over 400 miles in length. The cave tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide detailed information about the history and geology of the cave.
Mammoth Cave is a limestone cave that was formed over millions of years. The cave system features unique formations such as gypsum flowers, cave pearls, and stalactites. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave or explore on their own with a permit.
13. Carlsbad Caverns
Carlsbad Caverns is located in Carlsbad, New Mexico, approximately 10 hours from Las Vegas. The cave system is the fifth-largest cave system in North America, featuring unique formations such as draperies, popcorn, and soda straws. The cave tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide detailed information about the history and geology of the cave.
Carlsbad Caverns is a limestone cave that was discovered in the early 1900s. The cave system features unique formations such as giant gypsum crystals, helictites, and cave pearls. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave or explore on their own with a permit.
14. Lehman Caves
Lehman Caves is located in the Great Basin National Park, Nevada, approximately 5 hours from Las Vegas. The cave system features unique formations such as cave shields, flowstone, and helictites. The cave tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide detailed information about the history and geology of the cave.
Lehman Caves is a limestone cave that was discovered in the late 1800s. The cave system features unique formations such as cave bacon, cave popcorn, and draperies. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave or explore on their own with a permit.
15. Timpanogos Cave
Timpanogos Cave is located in American Fork, Utah, approximately 6 hours from Las Vegas. The cave system features unique formations such as helictites, stalactites, and stalagmites. The cave tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide detailed information about the history and geology of the cave.
Timpanogos Cave is a limestone cave that was discovered in the early 1900s. The cave system features unique formations such as cave bacon, cave popcorn, and helictites. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave or explore on their own with a permit.
Related: Caving In Las Vegas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I explore these caves on my own?
- It depends on the cave. Some caves allow self-guided tours with a permit, while others require visitors to take a guided tour.
- How do I obtain a permit for a self-guided tour?
- Each cave has its own permit process, which can typically be found on their official website.
- Are these caves suitable for children?
- It depends on the child’s age and comfort level in dark and enclosed spaces. Some caves have age restrictions for certain tours.
- What should I wear when exploring a cave?
- Comfortable and sturdy shoes with good traction, long pants, and layers are recommended. Avoid wearing jewelry or anything that may scratch the cave formations.
- Are these caves open year-round?
- It depends on the cave and the season. Some caves may have limited hours or be closed during certain times of the year, such as during the winter months.
- Can I take pictures inside the caves?
- Yes, but flash photography may be prohibited in some caves to protect the cave formations.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the unexplored caves in Las Vegas can be an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves adventure and natural beauty. From ancient cave paintings to stunning formations, these caves offer a glimpse into the geological history of the region.
Whether you choose to take a guided tour or explore on your own with a permit, be sure to follow all safety guidelines and instructions from the guides to protect the caves and yourself. With proper planning and preparation, you can embark on an unforgettable underground adventure in Las Vegas.