There are many opportunities for exploring on the surface at Jewel Cave National Monument. The 1279 acre park is located in a Ponderosa pine forest. The Jasper Fire of August 24, 2000 has changed the scenery of the Monument but it is an opportunity to see first hand the forest recovery process. For more information on this fire see our fire page.
Ranger Programs
A variety of talks and demonstrations are offered on the surface. Program topics include cave exploration, wildlife, fire ecology, Jasper Fire, wildflowers and plants of the area, and other subjects. Programs are regularly scheduled from mid-June through mid-August, and may be offered throughout the rest of the year. There are no fees for these programs.
Trails
Maps, wildflower and bird handouts are available at the visitor center and historic area cabin.
There are two self-guided trails at Jewel Cave National Monument and one U. S. Forest Service trail located approximately 1 mile (1.61 km) west of Jewel Cave National Monument's visitor center entrance on Highway 16. Printed information on all three trails is available at the visitor center year-round, and at the historic ranger cabin in summer. The trails are diverse: from a ¼ mile (.4 km) to over 5.5 miles (8.9 km), from level to steep and rugged, and everything in between. There is bound to be at least one trail just right for you.
When
venturing out please keep in mind the following trail courtesies:
~ Please stay on designated trails and don't cut switchbacks.
~ Tell someone your route and carry a first aid kit.
~ Pack out your trash and if you find trash along the trail, please pick
it up.
~ Carry drinking water with you on the trail.
~ Be prepared for weather changes.
~ Please do not pick the wildflowers.
~ Natural features must remain undisturbed.
~ Watch for poison ivy, rocks and other hazards along the trail.
~ In summer, check your body and clothing frequently for ticks.
Monument Self-Guiding Trails
A Walk On The Roof Trail
Length: ¼ mile (.4 km) loop. Allow 30 minutes for the walk.
Location: The trail begins at the covered patio area outside the visitor center lobby and returns to the north end of the visitor center.
Features: This trail lets one discover how the monument's surface and sub-surface resources interact. As you wind your way through the Ponderosa pines, imagine the cave below you, stretching in every direction. An overlook located approximately 100 yards (91 m) from the visitor center provides a magnificent view of the forest and canyons.
Conditions: Moderate inclines. Not handicapped-accessible.
Canyons Trail- This trail is rough and uneven
due to the washouts that occur during heavy rains, please be prepared
for this if you hike the trail. Please check at the visitor center to
see if trail is open.
Length: 3.5 mile (5.6 k) loop trail. Allow 2-4 hours to travel the loop.
Location: The trail begins at the covered patio outside the visitor center lobby and winds its' way down into Lithograph Canyon. Turning right at a fence the visitor enters Hell Canyon and strolls along a combination of unpaved road and meadows to a sign that leads to the historic area. From there it is 9/10 mile back to the visitor center.
Features: This trail provides an opportunity to become more familiar with the surface resources and geologic features at the monument. Lithograph Canyon, Hell Canyon, the limestone cliffs, ponderosa pine forest, deer, wildflowers, birds and bats are just a few of the resources the National Park Service has been entrusted to protect at Jewel Cave National Monument.
Conditions: Moderate to steep inclines. Not handicapped-accessible.
Hell Canyon Trail
U. S. Forest Service Trail adjacent to Jewel Cave National Monument
Length: 5.5 (8.9 k) mile loop trail. Allow 2-4 hours to travel the loop.
Location: From Jewel Cave National Monument, the trailhead is approximately 1 mile (1.61 km) west of the monument visitor center entrance on Highway 16. The trail begins just west of the parking area and the first ½ mile (.8 km) climbs at a steep pitch. From there on grades are level to easy. The last 2 miles (3.2 km) follows a two-track road along the bottom of Hell Canyon.
Features: The trail follows a bench below limestone cliffs and provides outstanding views of Hell Canyon and the surrounding area
Conditions: Elevations are from 5,400 to 5,700 feet. Trail condition varies from fairly strenuous to easy. Not handicapped-accessible.
There are 393 plants that occur at Jewel Cave National Monument. Wildflowers can be found at the visitor center, the historic area, and along all surface trails. Enjoy the flowers - look at them, smell them, compare them, sketch them, photograph them - but please do not pick or otherwise disturb them! See the wildflower page for a selection of our flowers.
The bird list contains 120 species of birds seen on the Monument. Some are abundant like the Red-breasted Nuthatch, while others like the Bald Eagle are uncommon, but are seen occasionally. Pick a list up at the visitor center or historic cabin and start watching while enjoying a trail walk.
Last Updated April 13, 2006
e-mail jeca_interpretation@nps.gov