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.
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.
Two sets of silver doors in a lobby with signage around the corner.
No Cave Tours at Jewel Cave March 24-28,2025, Due to Generator Installation
Jewel Cave National Monument will cease cave tours Monday, March 24 to Friday, March 28, 2025, due to a planned emergency generator installation. On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the visitor center will not have power and will be closed.
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