Wind Cave National Park
State: South Dakota
Size: 33,971 acres
Topography: Caves, Grassland
Peak Season: Year-Round
Nearest Airport: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) – 1 hr
Nearest Town: Hot Springs, SD / Custer, SD
Top 5 Hikes
Rankin Ridge Trail
Cave Trail
North Cave Trail
Lookout Point Trail
Prairie Loop Trail
Points of Interest
Wind Cave: One of the longest caves in the world, famous for its unique boxwork formations and underground tours.
Rankin Ridge: A scenic hike that provides sweeping views of the park and the surrounding Black Hills.
Elk Mountain: A challenging trail that leads to one of the highest points in the park, offering panoramic vistas.
Prairie Wildflower Walk: A gentle hike through fields of wildflowers, offering an excellent chance for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Recreational Opportunities
Caving – Explore the world’s densest cave system filled with boxwork formations.
Hiking – Trails like Rankin Ridge and Lookout Point offer prairie and forest views.
Wildlife Viewing – Home to bison, elk, and prairie dogs.
Scenic Drives – Travel through the rolling Black Hills landscape.
Backpacking – Remote prairie trails offer solitude in the Elk Mountain area.
Camping
Elk Mountain Campground – The park’s only developed campground, offering basic amenities year-round.
Backcountry Camping – Free, permit-required dispersed camping in the mixed-grass prairie.