National Monument in South Dakota
Jewel Cavewildflowers
At Jewel Cave National Monument, Purple coneflower blooms in June and July and harebell in July and August on the monument's wildflower list, per the National Park Service (seasons, not a peak). Its usual window for this year has passed.
Checked against 3 official sources.How we check
About Jewel Cave
What it is
A National Monument in South Dakota
What you'll see
- Prairie and forest wildflowers, June to August (a season)
Before you go
- What to bring: Water, a hat and sunscreen: little shade on the Canyons Trail.
Right now at Jewel Cave
From the Weather Service and the Park Service
Next 7 days
Forecast: National Weather Service
- Today73° 53°–
- Mon81° 56°–
- Tue77° 51°–
- Wed73° 50°–
- Thu70° 50°–
- Fri73° 53°–
- Sat75° 47°13% rain
Today: sunrise 6:57 a.m., sunset 6:33 p.m., light until 7:01 p.m. Moon waning crescent, 32% lit (our calculation).
Your guide to the area
Best spots and nearby places
- Jewel Cave
- Nearby, next summer
- Town
Map: approximate positions; state lines US Census; Canada, Mexico and lakes Natural Earth.
Best spots around Jewel Cave National Monument
Roof Trail
A quarter-mile trail where purple coneflowers, harebells and wild bergamot grow
National Park Service ↗ · Not on the map
National Park Service ↗Not on the mapCanyons Trail
A 3.5-mile trail with few trees for shade since the 2000 Jasper Fire; stiff goldenrod grows thick along it in late summer
National Park Service ↗ · Not on the map
National Park Service ↗Not on the map
Around Jewel Cave
In season first, then nearest; straight-line miles
The year at Jewel Cave
From the official sources, starting now
Fall
Sep to Nov
Nothing listed
Winter
Dec to Feb
Nothing listed
Spring
Mar to May
Pasqueflower blooms
March to May
Rocky Mountain iris blooms
May and June
Summer
Jun to Aug
Prairie and forest wildflowers
June to August
Purple coneflower blooms
June and July
Harebell and wild bergamot bloom
July and August
Stiff goldenrod blooms
July to September
Jewel Cave in pictures
Questions people ask
When is peak wildflowers in Jewel Cave National Monument in 2027?
Season: June to August. Purple coneflower blooms in June and July and harebell in July and August on the monument's wildflower list, per the National Park Service (seasons, not a peak).
Is it blooming in Jewel Cave National Monument right now?
Not now: its usual wildflowers window for this year has passed. Next time: June to August, local timing.
When do wildflowers bloom at Jewel Cave?
From spring into September: pasqueflower from March to May, purple coneflower in June and July, harebell in July and August, and stiff goldenrod from July to September.Source: National Park Service, Wildflowers ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I pick wildflowers at Jewel Cave?
No: picking wildflowers is illegal in all National Park Service areas.Source: National Park Service, Wildflowers ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What should I bring on Jewel Cave's trails?
Plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen; the Canyons Trail has little shade since the 2000 fire.Source: National Park Service, Hiking Trails ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Jewel Cave National Monument?
The best spots are Roof Trail and Canyons Trail. Roof Trail: a quarter-mile trail where purple coneflowers, harebells and wild bergamot grow. Canyons Trail: a 3.5-mile trail with few trees for shade since the 2000 Jasper Fire; stiff goldenrod grows thick along it in late summer.
What is Jewel Cave National Monument like through the year?
Jewel Cave National Monument has something to see in 7 months of the year. Pasqueflower blooms: Mar–May. Rocky Mountain iris blooms: May–Jun. Purple coneflower blooms: Jun–Jul. Harebell and wild bergamot bloom: Jul–Aug. Stiff goldenrod blooms: Jul–Sep.
How we know
The official pages behind every date on this page
- Oct 4Weather National Weather Service forecast and alerts
- Oct 3Park Service Wildflowers
- Oct 3Park Service Hiking Trails