Jewel Cave National Monument

The logomites or popcorn stalagmites this explorer sits near are hollow and sometimes grow taller than a person.
Immerse yourself in one of the longest caves in the world. With over 220 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 lures explorers, and its scientific wealth remains a mystery. This resource is truly a jewel in the National Park Service.
Map showing location of park.
A poster that reads “Jewel Cave Fly Through the Canyons 5K Trail Run & Walk Saturday, September 13th, 2025” with park address below, a United States flag design in the background and National Park Service arrowhead on the left.
Jewel Cave to Host 5K on Saturday, September 13
Jewel Cave National Monument is planning to host its first ever “Fly Through the Canyons” 5K trail run and walk on Saturday, September 13. The general public is invited to join this free 5K event to honor Active-Duty Military, Reserve, Veterans, and their families.
Two sets of silver doors in a lobby with signage around the corner.
No Cave Tours at Jewel Cave September 8-12 Due to Generator Installation
Jewel Cave National Monument will cease cave tours Monday, September 8 to Friday, September 12, 2025, to complete a planned back-up generator installation. The visitor center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except on Thursday, September 11.
Trees and plants on a rocky surface with evergreen trees above.
Jewel Cave Announces Operations for Winter Season
Jewel Cave National Monument is changing its operations for the winter season. Starting Tuesday, September 2, 2025, the monument will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays.
Brown brick building with Ponderosa Pines
Jewel Cave Announces Operations for Summer Season
Jewel Cave National Monument will begin its summer operations May 25 with daily tours and extended hours. Reservations are recommended for all cave tours on Recreation.gov.
an image with a blue background, stylized images and a QR code with text that reads “BRING YOUR OWN BINOCULARS to Jewel Cave’s Earth Day Bird Count event on Saturday, April 19th, 2025 – Please use the QR code to register for this event.
Jewel Cave to Kick Off National Park Week on Saturday, April 19
Jewel Cave National Monument will celebrate National Park Week with several activities on Saturday, April 19. These activities include a bird count, fee-free cave tours, and a “Discovery Hour” presentation.
The target room inside Jewel Cave.
Photo by NPS Staff Photo
A cave explorer sits on some rocks and looks at a clear blue lake in Jewel Cave.
Photo by NPS Photo / Dan Austin
A park ranger is standing on a metal platform within a long passageway with a vaulted ceiling.
Photo by NPS Photo / Dan Austin
A caver squeezes through a very small and tight opening, surrounded by multi-colored rocks.
Photo by NPS Photo
A park ranger stands as a silhouette in a large room in Jewel Cave.
Photo by NPS Photo / Dan Austin
White-colored crystals with blunt tips sparkle against a black background.
Photo by NPS Photo
A bighorn sheep ram stands in the highway, with a camper stopped in the other lane.
Photo by NPS Photo / Bradley Block
A small red squirrel stands on a dead pine branch.
Photo by NPS Photo / VIP Melissa Oehler
Fog filters through a stand of pine trees, with red and yellow foliage on the forest floor.
Photo by NPS Photo / Bradley Block
Snow covers the ground and flocks pine trees.
Photo by NPS Photo / Bradley Block
A paved path with steps heads down a hillside, with rock overhangs and pine trees nearby.
Photo by NPS Photo / VIP Connie McKinney
A look-alike Theodore Roosevelt speaks to visitors on the patio of the visitor center.
Photo by NPS Photo / Bradley Block
A small, dark-brown cabin sits on top of a hill with a walking path leading to its front porch.
Photo by NPS Photo / Quentin Bucker
A wall mural showing red-colored rock transitions into a room with a large cave map on the wall.
Photo by NPS Photo / Bradley Block
White to light purple flowers with yellow centers poke through pine needles.
Photo by NPS Photo / Bradley Block
A small brown bat rests on a red-orange colored rock.
Photo by NPS Photo / VIP Connie McKinney