The Roof Trail at Jewel Cave is one of the most popular trails in the Black Hills. It is an excellent trail for families with young kids/NPS

For the eighth straight year, Jewel Cave National Monument in South Dakota is partnering with the American Hiking Society to host ranger-guided hikes on National Trails Day. This year, the hikes take place on Saturday, June 3.

The first hike starts at 10 a.m. and follows the quarter-mile Roof Trail near the visitor center. The second hike begins at 1 p.m. and treks the 3.5-mile Canyons Trail. Both activities are geared toward families with kids, although everyone is invited.

The Roof Trail is an easy path and winds through a Ponderosa pine forest. It offers participants a chance to observe a variety of natural features. The 3.5-mile Canyons Trail is easy to moderate and descends into Lithograph and Hell canyons. It treks through an open meadow, surrounded by wildland fire scars. 

“National Trails Day is our first special event for the 2017 summer season. The trails are already showing several different species of wildflowers, and many migratory songbirds have returned to the area," Superintendent Bonnie Scharts said. "Early June is a great time to get outside and hike the monument.” 

Both hikes start at the Jewel Cave visitor center, 13 miles west of Custer, South Dakota, and 24 miles east of Newcastle, Wyoming, on Highway 16. Reservations are not required, nor are there any fees associated with the hikes. Participants should dress according to the weather conditions and bring their own snacks and beverages. Although both trails are considered easy, strollers and wheelchairs are not recommended. All youths age 16 or under need to be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.