description Jewel Cave Overview
Jewel Cave is an extensive limestone cave in the Black Hills of South Dakota, United States, protected within Jewel Cave National Monument. It is among the world's longest mapped cave systems and continues to be surveyed as explorers identify additional passages. The cave takes its name from calcite crystals that coat many surfaces, including nailhead and dogtooth spar, while developed sections are accessible through ranger-guided public tours.
help Jewel Cave FAQ
Where is Jewel Cave located?
Jewel Cave is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, USA. It sits beneath the Hell Canyon area and is protected as a National Monument.
How long is Jewel Cave?
With over 215 miles of mapped and surveyed passages, Jewel Cave is currently recognized as the third-longest cave system in the world. Cavers continue to explore and map new passages every single year.
Why is it called Jewel Cave?
The cave earned its name due to the massive amounts of calcite crystals lining the walls, specifically formations called nailhead and dogtooth spar. When light reflects off these crystals, they sparkle like thousands of tiny jewels.
Can anyone visit Jewel Cave?
Yes, the National Park Service offers scenic guided tours that take visitors through paved, lighted sections of the cave. For more adventurous visitors, they also offer guided wild caving tours that require squeezing through tight, undeveloped passages.
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