By 1979, Herb and Jan Conn had discovered, named, and mapped more than 64 miles of passages. Although they largely retired from caving by the early 1980s, exploration has continued unabated. Because the areas being explored take many hours to reach, explorers now sometimes camp in the cave during expeditions of as long as four days. The cave is mapped by traditional survey techniques, using compass, clinometer and today with lasers instead of tape measures.
Its 181.89 miles of mapped passageway make Jewel Cave the third longest cave in the world, after Mammoth Cave System in Kentucky and Sistema Sac Actun at the Yucatán Peninsula (Mexico), at 198 miles.
The discovered areas in the cave account for only about 3 to 5% of the estimated total air volume of the cave. The cave volume is estimated by measuring the amount of air that the cave "exhales" when the outside air pressure drops and "inhales" when the outside air pressure rises.
Jewel Cave was formed by the gradual dissolution of limestone by stagnant, acid-rich water. The water enlarged a network of cracks that had formed during the uplift of the Black Hills approximately 60 million years ago. The layer of calcite crystals that covers much of the cave walls was created by the re-deposition of calcite from water saturated with the mineral.
After the water that formed the cave drained, speleothems (cave formations) began to form. Jewel Cave contains all the common types of calcite formations, such as stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and frostwork, although not in the same abundance as other well-known caves. The dry parts of the cave contain some formations created by the deposition of gypsum, such as gypsum needles, beards, flowers, and spiders. Finally, Jewel Cave contains a very rare formation called a hydromagnesite balloon. Those are created when gas of an unknown source inflates a pasty substance formed by the precipitation of the magnesium carbonate hydroxide mineral.
Guided tours are required to enter Jewel Cave and are offered at scheduled times. All tours must have a minimum of 2 participants. Reservations are NOT ACCEPTED for the Scenic Tour, Historic Lantern Tour (summer only), or the Discovery Talk.
Important Information for all Tours:
In summer (June - August), wait times between purchasing tickets and select tour time can be over 4 hours.
It is common for tours to fill by 12 p.m. daily during the summer season. Arrive early to increase your chance of getting on your preferred tour.
You may arrive early in the day to purchase tickets for an afternoon tour.
Reservations are accepted only for the Wild Caving Tour.
All other tour tickets are available ONLY in person on the day of the tour.
There are NO self-guided tours at Jewel Cave.
The temperature in the cave is 49°F/9°C year-round.
Jackets and low-heeled, closed-toe shoes are recommended for all tours.
Tennis shoes or hiking boots are REQUIRED for the Historic Lantern Tour. Closed toe sandals are NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Call us and start planning that special vacation now. See Jewel Cave and we can help with airfare, rental car and hotel. Visit Mount Rushmore as well.. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
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