Jewel Cave National Monument Tours
Visitors are required to wear completely enclosed shoes if participating in a cave tour, like tennis shoes, sneakers or hiking boots. Any type of sandals or shoes with any openings are NOT acceptable.
Discover One of the Last Frontiers in the World!
Immerse yourself within the third longest cave in the world. With over 208 miles of mapped and surveyed passages, this underground wilderness appeals to human curiosity. Its splendor is revealed through fragile formations and glimpses of brilliant color. Its maze of passages lure explorers, and its scientific wealth remains a mystery. This resource is truly a jewel in the National Park Service.
You must join a ranger-guided tour to enter Jewel Cave. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
The surface areas do not require a reservation and consist of a ponderosa pine forest, interspersed with open meadows and fire-scarred landscapes. Lithograph and Hell Canyons offer rocky terrain, with cliffs, shelter caves, and spectacular views of the southern Black Hills. Two hiking trails are available, along with numerous picnic areas at the visitor center and Jewel Cave Historic Cabin Area. Surface recreation is available year-round, with snowshoes being available for loan during the off-season.
Wildlife in the monument consist of elk, white-tail deer, mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, wild turkeys, birds of prey, and numerous species of songbirds. The diversity of flora is prevalent during the spring and early summer seasons.
The visitor center provides engaging and interactive displays, and the park film shares the natural and cultural history of the monument. For kids, a Junior Ranger and Pee Wee Ranger Program are available.
Visitors are required to wear completely enclosed shoes if participating in a cave tour, like tennis shoes, sneakers or hiking boots. Any type of sandals or shoes with any openings are NOT acceptable.
Discover One of the Last Frontiers in the World!
Immerse yourself within the third longest cave in the world. With over 208 miles of mapped and surveyed passages, this underground wilderness appeals to human curiosity. Its splendor is revealed through fragile formations and glimpses of brilliant color. Its maze of passages lure explorers, and its scientific wealth remains a mystery. This resource is truly a jewel in the National Park Service.
You must join a ranger-guided tour to enter Jewel Cave. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
The surface areas do not require a reservation and consist of a ponderosa pine forest, interspersed with open meadows and fire-scarred landscapes. Lithograph and Hell Canyons offer rocky terrain, with cliffs, shelter caves, and spectacular views of the southern Black Hills. Two hiking trails are available, along with numerous picnic areas at the visitor center and Jewel Cave Historic Cabin Area. Surface recreation is available year-round, with snowshoes being available for loan during the off-season.
Wildlife in the monument consist of elk, white-tail deer, mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, wild turkeys, birds of prey, and numerous species of songbirds. The diversity of flora is prevalent during the spring and early summer seasons.
The visitor center provides engaging and interactive displays, and the park film shares the natural and cultural history of the monument. For kids, a Junior Ranger and Pee Wee Ranger Program are available.
Need to Know
- Entrance Fees
Jewel Cave National Monument does not charge an entrance fee but ticket fees apply for ranger-guided cave tours.
- Hours of Operation
The surface areas of the monument do not require a reservation and are open according to the facility hours for visitor services (e.g., visitor center), which may change on a seasonal basis. Refer to the Jewel Cave’s Operating Hours and Seasons web page.
- Accessibility
Assistive Listening Devices are available at the visitor center for interacting with the exhibits and displays. The park film also provides captions and audio description services for those that desire this assistance.
- Surface Trail Precautions
The park offers two surface Hiking Trails do not require a reservation. The 1/4-mile (.4 km) Roof Trail meanders through a ponderosa pine forest while the 3.5-mile (5.6 km) Canyons Trail offers very little tree cover. Hikers are encouraged to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly for sun exposure. For more information, visit the Jewel Cave Hiking Trails web page.
- Drinking Water
A water fountain and water bottle filling station is available within the visitor center. A seasonal water fountain is also available at the Jewel Cave Historic Cabin Area (1 mile/1.6 km west of the visotr center). There is not water available inside the cave.
- Pets
Pets are only allowed on established roadways, sidewalks adjacent to roadways, and roadway corridors. All public use buildings, surrounding patio areas, visitor staging areas, and caves are closed to pets. All areas closed to motor vehicle use are also closed to pets, such as hiking trails and backcountry areas. NOTE: For information on service animals,visit the Service Animals page on the park website..
- Grills
and Stoves
Charcoal grills are not allowed for use within the entire monument. The use of a gas stove is allowed in the parking lots and picnic areas of the monument, as long as it is used in a manner that does not threaten, cause damage to, or does not result in the burning of property or monument resources, or creates a public safety hazard.
- Restrooms
Restrooms are available at the Visitor Center and seasonally at the Jewel Cave Historic Cabin Area (1 mile/1.6 km west of the visitor center). There are no restrooms inside the cave.
Booking Windows
Guided tours are the only way to experience Jewel Cave.
Advanced Reservations: Tickets are available 30 days in advance at 10 a.m. ET on a rolling daily window.
Changes and Cancellations
A cancellation at least 2 days in advance of arrival may qualify for a refund, minus a $1 per ticket cancellation fee. There are NO REFUNDS for missed tours or late arrivals. Visitors are encouraged to plan their travel schedules carefully and be on-site at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled tour time.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
11149 US Highway 16, Bldg B12 Custer SD 57730
Phone Number
605-673-8300
