Due to an ongoing HVAC Renovation Project in the Visitor Center, there may be changes to the hours and tour schedule. Updates will be posted as early as possible if any changes are expected.
The Scenic Tour is the most popular tour of Jewel Cave. For the current tour schedule go to Operating Hours and Seasons. Advance reservations are available on recreation.gov and are highly recommended. Availability of same day tour tickets is not guaranteed. The booking window closes at noon the day before, and can potentially close earlier if the tour sells out. The Scenic Tour route provides an opportunity to visit various cave chambers and passages decorated with calcite crystals and wet formations. It begins in the "Target Room" (the room where the Discovery Tour takes place) and continues from there as 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 734 stair steps along a 1/2 mile loop, (equivalent to 40 flights of stairs), uneven ground, and minor slopes. During the Scenic Tour, you will 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. Preparing for a Scenic Tour
|
Last updated: October 23, 2024