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Contact: Aimee Murillo, (605) 673-8300
CUSTER, SD – Jewel Cave National Monument is going to host its first ever “Fly Through the Canyons” 5K trail run and walk on Saturday, September 13. Everyone is invited to join this free 5K event to honor Active-Duty Military, Reserve, Veterans, and their families.Beginning at 8:00 a.m. that morning participants can pick up their race bib, t-shirt and register for a free raffle. A flag raising ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m. prior to the race start. Interested participants are encouraged to pre-register here: Fly Through the Canyons 5K. Note participants can register until 10:00 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, September 13, as the staggered start time for the race is from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The event will also include a Health and Wellness Resource Fair from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The 5K will take place along the Canyons Trail at the monument. This trail has rocky terrain and is steep in places with changing elevation mainly ascending out of Hell Canyon. This moderate to strenuous route winds from the bottom of Lithograph Canyon into open meadows surrounded by cliffs and rocky outcroppings and passing the historic cave entrance as it leads up out of Hell Canyon.
If one cannot walk or run the entire Canyons Trail, the ¼ mile Roof Trail is also an option for participants. The finish line feeds out into the Health and Wellness Resource Fair at the monument visitor center.
Bathrooms and aid stations will be available at the visitor center and monuments Historic Area. Aid stations and registration are sponsored by the monuments cooperating association, the Black Hills Parks and Forest Association. Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted at www.nps.gov/jeca, as well as on social media through Facebook and Instagram.
Last updated: September 1, 2025