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As easy loop around the visitor center through a ponderosa pine forest with views of the Black Hills National Forest.


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Map Key

0.4

Miles

0.7

KM

Loop

5,448' 1,661 m

High

5,384' 1,641 m

Low

62' 19 m

Up

64' 20 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Family Friendly An easy loop around the visitor center that provides views of the Black Hills National Forest as well as the chance to see wildflowers and wildlife throughout the year.

Jewel Cave National Monument is a day use area. Please check the park website as hours vary depending on the season. Park hours can be found here: nps.gov/jeca/planyourvisit/…

Need to Know

Restrooms and water fountains can be found at the visitor center at the beginning of the hike and at the end of the hike.

Description

The trail departs from the front of the visitor center to the right as you face the center. It follows service roads for a little bit before turning into a double wide dirt and gravel trail. Shortly after a tenth of a mile, the Canyon Trail breaks off to the right while the Roof Trail continues straight. The trail is shaded as it meanders through the ponderosa pine forest. Keep your eye open for deer, especially in the mornings and evenings.

There are several benches along the trail if you need to sit and rest, and just enjoy the views and sounds of the forest. At a quarter of a mile, the Canyon Trail breaks off to the right and drops down to the canyon floor. At 0.3 miles, there is a viewing platform that provides one of the best views of the landscape of the Black Hills National Forest. From the platform, the trail gently back up the hill toward the visitor center, where the trail comes to an end back where you started.

Flora & Fauna

The trail meanders through a forest of ponderosa pines. Wildflowers can be seen in the spring, summer, and fall, while animals like deer can be seen throughout the year.

Shared By:

David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 2 votes

#29098

Overall
  3.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#83

in South Dakota

#29,098

Overall
4 Views Last Month
13 Since Oct 31, 2021
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Photos

The view from the platform overlooking the Black Hills National Forest. You can see the ponderosa pine forest that makes up a great deal of Jewel Cave National Monument.
Oct 31, 2021 near Custer, SD
The trail breaks off from the Roof trail and climbs gently up the hillside.
Oct 31, 2021 near Custer, SD
Benches can be found along the trail that allow you to enjoy the views and take in the peace of the forest.
Oct 31, 2021 near Custer, SD
The trail narrows and climbs up the hillside toward the Roof Trail and the visitor center.
Nov 1, 2021 near Custer, SD
Nice view from Roof Trail at Jewel Cave National Monument.
Sep 24, 2022 near Custer, SD

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