Here Are The 7 Best Hikes In South Dakota’s Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park is the perfect place to spend some time. The park offers several hiking trails for all skill levels – choose the best one for you, and start exploring! Believe us, this is an amazing national park to visit in South Dakota.
If you’re planning a visit to this incredible national park, there’s no better time to visit than during National Park Week. Learn all about this celebration of America’s great outdoors — including fee-free days throughout the year!
Wind Cave National Park is well known for its incredible cave, but did you know that it also offers several beautiful hiking trails? The park covers 33,847 acres, including rolling prairie, interesting rock formations, and some stunning overlooks.
Lookout Point Trail makes a 5.7-mile loop and it covers a lot of diverse territory. You'll walk through prairie grasslands and up along the hills. During late spring and summer you might enjoy wildflowers, and like all the trails in this park, you could easily run into bison and other wildlife. Click here for a trail map.
One of the most popular trails at Wind Cave National Park, Rankin Ridge Trail is just one mile long. It's an easy hike that's appropriate for just about any skill level, and the view is just spectacular. On a clear day, you can see for miles.
The Wind Cave Canyon Trail is rated as easy, and is 3.8 miles out and back. You'll see some beautiful vistas, along with the interesting rock formations in the canyon. Watch for nesting birds in the limestone cliffs here.
The Boland Ridge Trail is one of the more difficult hikes in Wind Cave National Park. It has an elevation gain of 895 feet, but your effort is richly rewarded with this panoramic view from the ridge. You'll see the Black Hills National Forest to the west, and view the Great Plains when you look to the east.
The National Park Service considers the Cold Brook Canyon Trail to be of moderate difficulty, mainly because of the initial descent into the canyon. This fun little trail takes you near a prairie dog town. Also watch for nesting raptors. The trail is 2.8 miles out and back.
Cold Brook Canyon Trail, Hot Springs, SD 57747, USA
This trail is six miles, out and back, and it can be fairly strenuous with some decent elevation climbs. The views all along the trail are gorgeous - make sure you bring a camera or have your cell phone charged. Click here for a trail map.
Bison Flats, East Custer, SD 57747, USA
What do you think about this national park to visit in South Dakota? How many of these trails have you hiked? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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Address: Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
national park to visit in South Dakota
January 17, 2022
Elisa Regulski
What hikes in South Dakota are short and sweet?
If you’re looking for an easy hike with an amazing payoff, explore the Presidential Trail inside Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The entire journey is only a half mile long, but it’s jam packed with views. Plus, you’ll get an up-close view of the famous memorial! For more fun, visit the Buzzard Trail and Loop. This 1.6-mile hike weaves through blissful forests, and the views will completely relax you. Need more ideas? Here are our top picks for the best easy hiking trails in South Dakota.
What are the best outdoor adventures in South Dakota?
Birdwatching is one of the best things to do outside in South Dakota, and there’s no better place to go than Newton Hills State Park. Over 200 bird species live here, so you’re almost certain to see some fascinating wildlife. For more adventure, visit Spearfish Canyon and explore the Devil’s Bathtub Trail. At the end of your journey, you’ll see a gorgeous waterfall. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
What are the most picturesque hiking trails in South Dakota?
The Sylvan Lake Trail, located in Custer, is one of the prettiest hiking trails in South Dakota. At just over a mile long, this short trail is perfect for kids and families. You can even bring your pup with you, as long as they are leashed. The Spring Creek Loop Trail, located near Rapid City, is another gorgeous place to spend an afternoon. When you’re surrounded by that crisp mountain air, you can’t help but feel one with nature.
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Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
