As Jewel Cave's most popular tour, the Scenic tour route provides an opportunity to visit chambers decorated with calcite crystals and other speleothems as you walk along a paved trail with electric lighting.  This tour is moderately strenuous and lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes.  The tour enters and leaves the cave by elevator in the Visitor Center.

The tour route involves walking up and down 723 stair steps along a 1/2 mile loop, (equivalent to 40 flights of stairs).  During the tour, you will see the "jewels" of Jewel Cave.  Known as dogtooth spar and nail head spar, depending on their shape, these calcite crystals line the walls on the Scenic Tour route.  You will also get to see boxwork, cave popcorn, flowstone, stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, and a long piece of cave bacon.

Low-heeled, rubber-soled shoes and a light jacket or sweater are recommended for the tour.  The cave temperature is 49 degrees year-round.  Persons who have heart or respiratory problems, have recently been hospitalized or have a fear of heights or closed-in spaces should talk with a park ranger before selecting a tour.  There is a limit of 30 persons on each tour. During holidays and spring and summer months this tour will frequently sell out.  Please call ahead for tour availability and check the daily tour schedule before your visit to Jewel Cave.