The Hardest Cave Trip

Some of this video was captured while volunteering for the National Park Service at Jewel Cave National Monument. The opinions expressed are those of the video editor, and not of the National Park Service.

This was the hardest cave trip that has ever been, or will ever be.

Caves are delicate and potentially dangerous places. For more information on wild caving, vertical caving techniques, and cave survey, visit the National Speleological Society website:

To find a local grotto (caving club) visit:

White Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a disease that is devastating to bats. To learn more about what you can do to help, along with information on how to properly decontaminate caving gear, visit:

Cave Videography Gear I Use:

[DerekBristol]

This is a slight re-edit of my original version of this video. The JFK Moon speech very well expresses the challenges and emotions cave explorers feel when exploring new frontiers underground. Cavers often draw correlations between themselves and astronauts.

[garybeasley]

Makes my knees hurt just watching, thanks for the experience!

[rachelhasbruises]

Also in this video: the most words ever sent by Derek Bristol via text, ever.

[CDurai]

It's incredible how moving Kennedy's speeches are to this day. We need an intelligent and articulate leader. "...not because it is easy. But because it is hard." May this American spirit rise in all of us.

[luketroyer]

Very nice video, Derek! I wish I only wish it was longer.

[jizmoglass]

I've been to Jewel cave, but i was like 10 years old and that was back in the early 90's. took the elevator down on a tour.

[mwconnolly]

Haha! Let's just hope we never ditch cave exploration like we did space exploration.

[informanti]

You guys are the real rockstars! Hehe! no but seriously, great video. Very impressive!

[dichebach]

I once did a 36 hour camp trip in the Dixie section of Roppel . . . Been years now. Not sure if anyone has been back really.

[ministerc]

Well, that's a big cave. I guess I thought it was a tourist trap but it sounds like pretty serious caving and exploration! Holy cow.

[akradr]

Would you be willing to list some of the equipment used? Maybe include details on lighting and quantity of batteries used.
I always felt like I was exploring the surface of another planet while caving. Great video.

[viatori]

Was anyone else wondering: how the fuck did they get an elevator to the end of that cave?
🤦‍♂️

[jordanburgess]

Cool cave video as always! What was the water sample for? Was that the point of the trip?

[xxwookey]

And you don't even look particularly tired at the end :-)

[meldale]

Since you carry all your equipment in your bags each trip, what does "setting up the camp" actually entail?

[aaronparker]

What's the longest you have ever been underground and what cave sir

[ericshuler]

This looks so warm compared to NY caves.

[dareknaszlaku]

I am really into it, but legal way 🙂, would you guide me where to start? Im based in west london.

[xxwookey]

Interesting that you use tape for handlines. Weight I guess?

[deputydog]

Serious physical undertaking, but that cave is not at all scenic.