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Are you planning on visiting Jewel Cave National Monument?
If so, there are a number of tour options
available for any physical ability.
Hi.
I'm Ranger Dan.
And in this podcast, we'll show you
the different types of tours you can take underground.
Unlike some parks where visitors are able to walk themselves
through the cave, all tours at Jewel Cave are ranger-guided.
If you are traveling to the monument in the future,
here are some informational items
to help plan for an efficient and memorable cave experience.
The most popular tour for guests is the 1/2 mile Scenic Tour.
This ranger-guided activity takes
visitors on an 80-minute adventure
over 300 feet underground.
Some of the most famous and signature formations,
such as the calcite crystals, stalactites, stalagmites,
and the ever-popular cave bacon, can
be found along the tour route.
This modern route offers electrical lights
along a concrete pathway with multiple stairs, handrails,
and platforms.
This tour is moderately strenuous
and is not recommended for those with mobility issues.
The Scenic Tour is offered throughout the year.
However, seasonal limitations may exist.
Some limitations also exist with respect
to infants and young children.
To ensure that you are fully prepared for this tour,
we encourage guests to contact the visitor center
for updated tour times and current regulations.
The accessible Discovery Talk is a 20- to 30-minute
presentation that takes visitors into one
of the main rooms of Jewel Cave.
This is a wonderful way to introduce young kids
to the underground environment.
And it also allows those with mobility issues
to experience the cave.
Although strollers are not allowed,
a wheelchair is available at the visitor center for anyone
needing assistance.
During the summer months, the other cave tours
can often fill to capacity, leaving just the discovery
talk for those who arrive later in the day.
Maybe you would like to take a step back in time.
If so, you should consider the Historic Lantern Tour.
Led by park rangers wearing a 1941 National Park
Service uniform, this one hour and 45 minute tour
will lead visitors into the original entrance
of Jewel Cave.
The experience starts at the historic ranger
cabin built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936.
From there, visitors trek a short distance
into nearby Hell Canyon, where Jewel Cave's Natural Entrance
was discovered back in 1900.
Rather than electrical lights, oil lanterns
are used to illuminate the path to recreate the same experience
as the early years.
This tour is strenuous and goes through some undeveloped parts
of the cave with narrow passageways and low ceilings.
Since hibernating bats use the historic entrance
in the off-season, these tours are only
offered during the summer months.
An age restriction is in place for this tour,
and it is not recommended for visitors
with fear of tight spaces.
For those seeking adventure, the Wild Caving Tour
is the best way to be immersed in Jewel Cave.
Guided by experienced and trained cavers,
this three- to four-hour off-trail caving trip
will create memories for a lifetime.
Participants can expect to climb a 30-foot rope assist, squeeze
through tight openings, and scramble over massive boulders.
This experience is not conducted within a developed
area of the cave.
There are no lights, platforms, or concrete pathways.
Due to the strenuous features of the route
and physical requirements needed for a safe caving trip,
participants on this tour are required
to squeeze through an 8 and 1/2 inch
by 24 inch concrete block just outside the visitor center.
The Wild Caving Tour is not recommended for anyone
with health, mobility issues, or those with claustrophobia.
This tour is only offered during the summer season,
and reservations are required.
Most important to know, cave tours
are routinely sold out from May through late September.
Visitors who arrive without reservations
may find themselves with limited or sold-out tour times.
Because of this, we encourage guests
to plan ahead and use the monument's website
to learn about the reservation process.
Like many parks and monuments, Jewel Cave
sees an increase in visitation most years.
Due to limited staff and tours times,
we cannot accommodate everyone.
We will continue to do our best, but we appreciate your time
in learning about the different cave tours in advance.
If you have further questions about tours or tours times,
please contact the front desk at the visitor center.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more
about the tours at Jewel Cave.
We hope this information provides
for an enjoyable and memorable park experience.
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