The 8.5 Inch Squeeze Test Standing Between You and Jewel Cave’s Darkest Passages
If you think a guided cave tour sounds like an easy stroll underground, the Wild Caving Tour at Jewel Cave National Monument will quickly prove you wrong. Before participants are even allowed to 8.5 inches by 24 inches on the patio of the visitor center. Anyone who cannot fit through the space is not permitted to continue and is not offered a refund.
The required squeeze serves as a practical safety check for one of the most demanding cave experiences offered by the National Park Service. If a visitor cannot navigate the test opening outside the cave, they are unlikely to safely negotiate the tight passages waiting underground.
Mandatory test before wild caving at Jewel Cave National Monument, crawl through a 8.5” x 24” opening.
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One of the Most Demanding Cave Tours in the National Park System
Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Jewel Cave National Monument protects one of the longest caves ever discovered. More than 230 miles of mapped passageways have been explored and scientists continue to uncover new sections, making it one of the most significant cave systems in the world.
The Wild Caving Tour offers visitors a chance to experience the cave in a nearly natural state. Over the course of roughly two thirds of a mile, participants scramble across broken rock, climb with rope assistance, chimney between cave walls, belly crawl through narrow passages, and navigate famous obstacles like Hurricane Corner, Roller Coaster, Martha’s Kettle, and Brain Drain. The entire experience lasts between three and four hours and is considered extremely strenuous.
Not Everyone Qualifies
The crawl space requirement is only one part of the screening process. Participants must be at least 16 years old and anyone who is 16 or 17 must provide proof of age and have a parent or legal guardian sign a waiver. The National Park Service also warns that people with a fear of confined spaces or heights should not attempt the tour. Good physical condition is also essential.
The park provides helmets, headlamps, gloves, and protective pads. Visitors must bring sturdy lace up boots that extend above the ankle along with long sleeves and long pants or coveralls. Clothing will likely be permanently stained by black manganese deposits found throughout the cave, so don’t wear your favorite outfit if you’re planning to check it out.
A Rare Underground Experience
The Wild Caving Tour is intentionally kept small with groups ranging from just two to five people. They’re generally offered from late May through the end of August when specially trained staff are available. Reservations are required because the number of trips each season is limited.
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