Custer to Jewel Cave National Monument

This route is considered a moderate road ride, suitable for cyclists with good fitness levels. It covers approximately 43.4 kilometers (27 miles) with an elevation gain and loss of around 560 meters (1,837 feet), indicating a rolling to hilly terrain. The surface is mostly well-paved.

The estimated cycling time for this route is approximately 2 hours, 2 minutes (7361 seconds), depending on your pace and stops.

The route primarily follows Highway 16, which can have sharp curves and blind corners. There are no dedicated bicycle paths, and roadway shoulders may be limited. Cyclists should exercise caution, travel single file, and adhere to traffic laws.

You can expect beautiful views of the surrounding Black Hills, with opportunities to pull off and enjoy the scenery. Wildlife can also be spotted along the roadways throughout the year, adding to the natural beauty of the ride.

The best time to cycle this route is generally during the warmer months when the weather is mild and the roads are clear of snow and ice. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours.

While specific parking details for the start in Custer are not provided, you would typically look for public parking areas within Custer itself to begin your ride towards Jewel Cave National Monument.

While there is no entrance fee to enter Jewel Cave National Monument, there are fees for guided cave tours. You can find more information on tour options and pricing on the official NPS website: nps.gov.

Given its moderate difficulty, rolling to hilly terrain, and shared road conditions with limited shoulders, this route might be challenging for very young children or absolute beginners. Cyclists should have a good fitness level and be comfortable riding on roads with vehicle traffic.

Pets are generally allowed in outdoor areas of national parks on a leash, but are typically not permitted inside cave tours or visitor center buildings. Always check the official nps.gov website for the most current pet regulations at Jewel Cave National Monument before your visit.

The ultimate reward of this ride is exploring Jewel Cave National Monument Visitor Center. Jewel Cave is the third-longest cave in the world, known for its dazzling calcite crystals, delicate gypsum strands, and other unique formations. The monument offers various guided cave tours, from easy discovery tours to more strenuous historic lantern tours and wild caving expeditions.

Yes, this route briefly intersects with sections of the George S. Mickelson Trail, Forest Route 781.1J, Forest Route 665, Rainbow Road, F D R 681, and Lithograph Canyon Road.