Last updated: January 29, 2021
Place
Stop #1: Pahasapa Limestone
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
43.557917, -103.479130
Significance:
Two of the longest caves in the world formed in this layer of limestone, Wind Cave and Jewel Cave.
Amenities
2 listed
Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible
Geologic age: Mississippian
Go down the central stairs of the visitor center and exit the building through the double doors directly ahead. Once outside, follow the trail 225 yards to the cave's natural entrance at the end of the sidewalk. You can also get to the natural entrance by following the gravel path from the picnic area back toward the visitor center. The natural entrance is about 150 yards down this trail.
Limestone is a sedimentary rock deposited in oceans. It is mainly composed of calcium carbonate. Pahasapa Limestone is gray to light tan and forms steep slopes or cliffs.
Notice that the cave's natural entrance formed in a ravine. Can you think why?
Go down the central stairs of the visitor center and exit the building through the double doors directly ahead. Once outside, follow the trail 225 yards to the cave's natural entrance at the end of the sidewalk. You can also get to the natural entrance by following the gravel path from the picnic area back toward the visitor center. The natural entrance is about 150 yards down this trail.
Limestone is a sedimentary rock deposited in oceans. It is mainly composed of calcium carbonate. Pahasapa Limestone is gray to light tan and forms steep slopes or cliffs.
Notice that the cave's natural entrance formed in a ravine. Can you think why?