Park Tools
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No Reservations in 2013
Beginning January 2, 2013, Jewel Cave National Monument will not offer advanced ticket reservations, except for Wild Caving dates. Due to construction projects and assumed disruptions in service, ticket sales will occur on a first come first serve basis. More »
Scenic Tour
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The Scenic Tour route is the most popular ranger-guided tour of Jewel Cave. NPS Photo - Eric Dodd The Scenic Tour is the most popular tour of Jewel Cave. The Scenic Tour route provides an opportunity to visit various cave chambers and passages decorated with calcite crystals and other speleothems. This tour is considered a modern day walking tour along a paved trail with electric lighting. The tour enters and leaves the cave by elevator in the Visitor Center. The Scenic Tour is moderately strenuous and lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes. 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 Scenic Tour, you see two types of calcite crystals known as nailhead spar and dogtooth spar, which are the "jewels" of Jewel Cave. In addition, you can view boxwork, cave popcorn, flowstone, stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, and a long ribbon drapery called the cave bacon. With each visit, you will learn more about the cave formations, discovery and continuous exploration. Come prepared to tour Jewel Cave, wear low-heeled, rubber-soled shoes or hiking boots, and a light jacket or sweater. Close-toed shoes are highly recommended. The cave temperature is 49 degrees Fahrenheit or 9 degrees Celsius year-round. Persons who have heart or respiratory conditions, foot or lower joint problems, have recently been hospitalized, have a fear of heights or elevators should talk with a park ranger before selecting this tour. There is a limit of 30 participants on each Scenic Tour. This tour will frequently sell out during holidays, spring breaks, and the summer months. Please call ahead for tour availability and check the daily tour schedule before your visit to Jewel Cave.
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Did You Know?
In 2000, the Jasper Fire burned over 90% of the surface of Jewel Cave National Monument. Fortunately, the Visitor Center and other buildings on the Monument were saved.