Jewel Cave National Monument

Jewel Cave National Monument is the second great cave of the southern Hills, and it offers a very different experience from Wind Cave. The cave is named for the sparkling calcite crystals that line many of its chambers, and it is one of the longest caves in the world. The monument has no entrance fee, but cave tours cost between about six and forty-five dollars depending on the type. The Scenic Tour takes about an hour and twenty minutes and includes 734 stairs, so it suits visitors who are comfortable with steady walking. Tickets are reserved through the national recreation reservation system, with a small booking fee per ticket. In summer, same-day tickets are often gone by mid to late morning, so reserving ahead is wise. Reservations open thirty to sixty days in advance from May through November, and the full December to April season opens in early December. Historic Lantern tours and wild caving trips run in summer only. The cave is cool all year, so bring a jacket. For tickets and tour options, this page points to a dedicated caves site run by the same team behind this guide.

What sets Jewel Cave apart is its crystals. Calcite lines the walls in shapes called dogtooth and nailhead spar, and the glitter under the guide's light explains the name. The cave extends for many miles through the limestone, and only a small part is open to visitors. Different tours show different areas, from the standard Scenic Tour to the long and demanding wild caving trips available in summer.

The Scenic Tour is the standard introduction, with a descent into the cave and a long walk on stairways and paths, and it gives a good sense of the cave's scale and beauty.

Planning is essential. The Scenic Tour demands stamina, with hundreds of stairs and a steady pace, and visitors with heart or breathing conditions, a fear of enclosed spaces or limited mobility should check the requirements carefully. Check the age and height limits for children, and leave strollers at the car. Arrive early to find parking and check in on time, because late arrivals may lose their place. Bring a jacket, wear closed shoes with grip and avoid carrying large bags. Photography rules vary by tour, so check before you go.

Combine the monument with the rest of the southern Hills. It lies west of Custer, near the Wyoming line, so it fits naturally with a day that includes Crazy Horse Memorial or Custer State Park. The caves are open year-round, though the tour schedule is reduced outside summer, which makes them a good winter option.

If you are choosing between Jewel Cave and Wind Cave, Jewel Cave offers crystals and a more strenuous scenic tour, while Wind Cave offers boxwork and more tour variety. Visitors with time can do both, and many do. Reserve early for summer, and have a backup plan if tours sell out.