Hiking at Wind Cave
Wind Cave National Park
View rolling prairie vistas, ponderosa forests, and see wildlife in its natural environment. Wind Cave National Park has over 30 miles of hiking trails on the surface and provides visitors the opportunity to view pristine Black Hills scenery. Find out which trail is the best for you.
Though most visitors come to see the cave, Wind Cave has many surface activities, including hiking. Over 30 miles of hiking trails meander through pristine mixed-grass prairie and ponderosa pine forest. Mileages listed below are one way unless otherwise noted.
Tags
HikingAnimalsBisonElkForests and WoodlandsGeologyPrairieshikeshikingpopularwind cave national parkSouth DakotaGreat PlainsBlack HillsMidwest NPS
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Details
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility
Wind Cave Canyon Trail is a gravel service road with uneven terrain and occasionally steep grades that may be difficult for those using wheelchairs. Part of the Rankin Ridge Trail follows an old gravel service road to the wayside exhibit at the top. This road has a steep grade and rugged, loose terrain that is not suitable for those using wheelchairs. The trailheads for the Elk Mountain Campground Trail and Sanctuary Trail have paved accessible parking but the trails are not wheelchair accessible.
Pets
No — Leashed pets are only allowed on the Prairie Vista Trail and Elk Mountain Campground Trail. Pets are not allowed on other trails.
Reservations
No