Jewel Cave National Monument - Cave Exploration (U.S. National Park Service)

Why explore Jewel Cave?

The physical and mental challenges provided by cave exploration address a deep-seated human desire to venture beyond the known into the frontier. Exploring cave passages where no one has ever been before is certainly exciting, and it also provides important information required for both cave and surface management.

It is imperative for the continued protection of Jewel Cave that managers learn where the cave is in relation to surface features. For this reason cave explorers must meticulously survey each passage that they find, and create a detailed map.

A cave explorer looks into a large, dark passage

NPS Photo

A cave explorer looks into the unknown, becoming the first person to ever see this large, dark passage.

Who explores the cave?

Cave exploration and mapping is done entirely by volunteers. Those wishing to participate in the exploration of Jewel Cave must have prior caving experience, posess a strong cave conservation ethic, be able to fit through tight spaces, and have the endurance for long caving trips. All trips are led by qualified trip leaders who have been approved by the Monument's cave resource management staff.

How far does the cave extend?

Jewel Cave exists under about three square miles of surface area. More than 45% of the known cave exists outside the Monument boundaries, under the Black Hills National Forest.

How long is the cave?

At more than 145 miles in length, Jewel Cave is currently the second longest cave in the world. Airflow indicates there is a lot of cave yet to be discovered.

What is the depth of the cave?

The elevational range within Jewel Cave spans 637 feet. This is its official "depth." The highest point in the cave is 5,408 feet above sea level, and the lowest point is at 4,771 feet.

The cave's depth below the surface varies a great deal. The cave intersects the surface in Hell Canyon, at the only natural entrance. The deepest point in the cave is 749 feet below ground.

Where is most exploration taking place?

Recent exploration trips have focused on the southeastern area of the cave, where many "leads" (unexplored passages) and strong airflow exist. Airflow within the cave is the single best indicator that large areas of the cave have yet to be discovered.

How long does it take to reach the current "end" of the cave?

Travel to the work area can take more than 6 hours, one way. Exploration trips often encompass 16-18 hours; most of this is travel time. Camping trips in the cave last up to 4 days. It takes 7 hours to reach the established base camp, and the leads at the end of the cave are now 3.5 hours beyond that!