Jewel Cave National Monument

Jewel Cave offers four different ranger-guided tours varying in length and intensity. With the exception of the Discover Tour, most cave tours are considered moderate to strenuous and are not recommended for young children and the elderly. Tours are sold on first come, first served basis and do sell out. 

Scenic Tour

The most popular tour of Jewel Cave, the Scenic Tour, is a modern day walking tour to view cave formations throughout various chambers and passages. This tour is moderately strenuous, lasting just over an hour and not recommended for children. Scenic Tours tend to sell out in the summer months and holiday weekends before noon.

There are reservation opportunities for the Scenic Tour.  Reservation times vary by season but can be made through Black Hills Vacations or by calling (605) 717-7629. 

• $16 - Adults 16 & older
• $8 - Youth ages 6-15
• Free - Children ages 5 & under
   

Discovery Tour

The Discovery Tour is the shortest of all tours offered, lasting 20 minutes, and is very accessible for children of all ages. Participants will learn about the caves natural and cultural histories. 

• $6 - Adults 16 & older
• $3 - Youth ages 6-15
• Free - Children 15 & under
   

Historic Lantern Tour

Prepare for an adventure that gives you an idea of what it was like to tour Jewel Cave in the earlier days. Complete with a 1930’s dressed Park Ranger guide, you’ll climb wooden steps, walk on unpaved trails and use lanterns as a light source on the Historic Lantern Tour. This tour is strenuous and participants must be at least 8 years old.

• $16 - Adults 16 & older
• $8 - Youth ages 8*-15
  * Minimum age for Historic Lantern Tour is 8 years old
   

The Wild Caving Tour

The Wild Caving Tour is offered seasonally throughout the year. Participates wear a hard hat with a headlamp to explore the underground wilderness of Jewel Cave. Adventurers will belly-crawl through tight passages and use rope assists to climb vertical walls. This tour is extremely strenuous and lasts up to four hours. All participants must be at least 16 years old.

• $45 - Adults 16* & older
  *Minimum age for the Wild Caving Tour is 16 years old
   

Things You Should Know Before Visiting

• The cave temperature is a constant 49 degrees, so a light jacket or sweatshirt is recommended.
• Cave tour fees vary and are subject to change.

There are two self-guided hiking trails at Jewel Cave National Monument and one U. S. Forest Service trail which begins approximately 1 mile from the Jewel Cave visitor center. Trails range from ¼ miles to 5.5 miles in length. Most trails are not accessible to individuals with disabilities. Printed information on the trails is available at the visitor's center year-round.