Explore Responsibly
Embrace the spirit of Forever 605 by following safety rules, respecting wildlife and plants, sticking to designated trails, and leaving no trace. Sign the Forever 605 pledge, get a free sticker and learn more on how to leave South Dakota the way you found it. Together, we can make sure our beauty is around for a long time to come.
Follow Cave Rules
Cave-tour participants of all ages must be able to navigate the tour route without assistance. Jewel Cave tours are moderately strenuous and not recommended for anyone with health conditions, poor balance, mobility concerns or physical limitations. You must wear closed-toe shoes (hiking boots, tennis shoes or sneakers) for safety.
Hiking sandals or any shoes with openings are not permitted. Jewel Cave National Monument prohibits backpacks, large bags, weapons, hiking sticks and walking poles. You cannot carry children on any portion of the Scenic Tour route. For those with young children and infants, we recommend the Discovery Tour. For the complete cave rules and guidelines list, visit the National Park Service website.
Respect The Wildlife
The surface of Jewel Cave National Monument is home to various animals, including mammals like white-tailed deer, bighorn sheep, elk, bobcats and coyotes, nine species of snakes and several species of birds. Jewel Cave itself is home to thousands of bats from nine species. When you visit Jewel Cave, remember you’re a guest in their home. Never approach or feed any wild animals.
Bat & Snake Safety
Thousands of bats call this cave home. Please do not touch or go near a bat. If you see a dead bat or a bat that is behaving strangely, being aggressive, lying on the ground, flying near or making contact with people, contact a park ranger immediately. Less than 1% of bats have rabies, but bats that act strangely or interact with people are 10 times more likely to have rabies.
Prairie rattlesnakes hide during the day, usually under rocks, logs and tall grasses. Never put your hands and feet in areas with poor visibility, like crevices and overhangs. If you’ve approached a rattlesnake, you’ll hear their warning rattle. Once you do, slowly back away from their hiding spot.
Look Out for Poison Ivy
Poison ivy is common throughout the hiking trails on the surface of Jewel Cave. It usually hangs low to the ground in moist areas but can sometimes appear as a hairy vine. Look for the three distinctive, jagged, shiny leaves to identify poison ivy. Wear long pants and fully enclosed socks and shoes when hiking through the park to avoid accidental contact with the plant.