Front-Country Hiking

Pet Friendly Hikes

Pets are not allowed on any other trail or in the backcountry.

Wind Cave has two trails in the park that are pet friendly. The Prairie Vista Trail and Elk Mountain Campground Trail provide visitors with the opportunity to hike and enjoy the park's diverse prairie and forest ecosystems with their pets in a safe environment. Both are one mile loops that are accessible from the picnic area or campground. Pets are also allowed in the campground. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/pets.htm">Learn more about bringing pets to Wind Cave National Park</a>.  All pets must be on a leash at all times and visitors must clean up after their pets. Poison ivy, rattlesnakes, or ticks may be encountered on these trails.

All pets must be on a leash at all times.

If you are traveling with a furry friend, Wind Cave has two pet friendly trails. Both are close to the visitor center and about one mile in length.

Forests and Woodlands

Grasslands

Prairies

Guided Tours

To go into the cave, you must purchase a tour ticket. All access is by guided tour only and all tours leave from the Visitor Center. The Garden of Eden Tour is 1/4 mile long with 150 stairs. The Natural Entrance Tour is 2/3 mile long with 300 stairs. The Fairgrounds Tour is 2/3 long with 450 stairs.

The Garden of Eden Tour lasts 60 minutes. The Natural Entrance Tour lasts 90 minutes. The Fairgrounds Tour lasts 90 minutes.

The Garden of Eden Tour fee is $14 for adults age 16 to 61, half price for youth age 6 to 15 and for age 62 and older. Children 5 and under are free. The Natural Entrance Tour and Fairgrounds Tour fees are $16 for adults age 16 to 61, half price for youth age 6 to 15 and for age 62 and older. Children 5 and under are free.

A young male visitor on a stairway stops to look at boxwork on the ceiling above him.

Boxwork on the Fairgrounds Tour

A trip into Wind Cave on a guided cave tour is a wonderful addition to any visit to the park. Whether it is your first time to the cave or your tenth, there are several things to keep in mind while planning your trip. <ul> <li>To go into the cave, you must purchase a tour ticket. All access is by guided tour only and all tours leave from the Visitor Center.</li> <li>Advanced reservations through <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/10088514">Recreation.gov</a> are available for some tours and are highly recommended. Tickets for all other tours are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis the day of the tour at the visitor center.</li> <li>Due to high demand, long waits are common during spring, summer, and fall for in-person sales. Tours often sell out 1-2 hours in advance. Tours may be sold out for the day by mid-afternoon.</li> <li>Visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/fees.htm">Fees and Passes</a> page for current ticket prices.</li> <li>Only credit/debit cards or digital payments will be accepted for all cave tours, campground fees, and Interagency Passes.</li> </ul>

A portion of tour tickets are available for advanced purchase through <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/10088514">www.recreation.gov</a> from 3 to 120 days before the tour.  Reservations are recommended as tours often sell out March through October and on holiday weekends throughout winter. Approximately half of all cave tour tickets remain available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis at the visitor center the day of the tour. Same-day tickets often sell out one to two hours or more before tour times.

Cave tours occur every day of the year except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Visit one of the world's longest and most complex caves.

Cave tours are conducted between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm seven days a week. Schedules vary by season.  Visit <a href="https://www.nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm">https://www.nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm</a> for current tour times.

Take a Cave Tour

Caves, Caverns and Karst

Geology

Self-Guided Tours - Auto

a gravel road winds across the prairie with rolling forested hills in the distance

Geology Driving Tour

The earth is constantly changing. While some geologic changes can be observed, most occur very slowly and are imperceptible during a human lifetime. Because of this, geologists use the rock record to explain the complex <a href="https://www.nps.gov/wica/learn/nature/park-geology.htm">geologic history</a> of our planet. Studying rock types and layers provides insight into the geologic, climatic and biologic changes that have occurred on the earth. On this driving tour, you will examine the rock record of Wind Cave National Park. Please note that the stops are presented in the most convenient driving order, not in geologic order. You may also pick up a printout with the stops and a geologic timeline from the visitor center.

Pets are not allowed in the backcountry, however, leashed pets are allowed in parking areas and on established roads. Do not leave pets unattended in your vehicle.

Periods of heavy snowfall may cause park roads to close temporarily in the winter. Winter maintenence is not performed on the gravel backcountry roads NPS 5 and 6.

The geology driving tour is a great way to see the park while learning about the rich geologic history of the Black Hills. On this 20 mile long tour, you will travel back in time and view Wind Cave's rock record to get a glimpse into its past.

Wind Cave Geology Driving Tour

Wildlife Watching

View bison from afar in their natural habitat.

A bison herd is in a large green prairie field with a cinnamon calf next to a laying down cow.

Bison Calf with cow

Bison herds in Wind Cave often prefer the area around NPS 5. 

Explore where the bison roam in Wind Cave National Park. In 2019, 10 bison cows were radio collared to learn how they utilize the 28,000 acres of prairie. Learn how fire, and the changing seasons impact the bison's movements. Drive along park roads to discover which area the herd is utilizing on your visit. Look for signs of recent fire activity or a good water source, indicating a good season of rain. To discover more of what our park biologist has learned with this project, check out <a href="https://www.nps.gov/maps/stories/where-the-bison-roam.html">this StoryMap</a>.

Pets are not allowed out of vehicles off of roadways to protect the native wildlife.

Bison are around Wind Cave all year long!

Bison can be on roadways at night. Please use caution and obey speed limits when driving through the park. Bison are hard to spot when driving at night due to a lack of eye shine like deer.

Explore Where the Bison Roam

Bison

Hiking

a small hole in a stone depression next to a large sign and short rock wall

Wind Cave's Natural Entrance

Despite its length and complexity, Wind Cave has very few natural entrances. The largest and most well-known naturally formed entrance is only about ten inches wide. Visitors can still view this entrance without going on a tour. This is a very spiritual place to many different native people and is considered the birthplace of the Lakota nation.

Pets are prohibited in the visitor center unless they are a certified service animal. Emotional support animals are not service animals and are not allowed in the visitor center. Leashed pets are allowed on the trail between the picnic area and the natural entrance.

You can still see the largest natural opening into Wind Cave without going on a tour. This small hole is one of the only known natural entrances into the cave. Lakota oral tradition speaks of how the first bison and humans emerged from this deeply spiritual place.

The natural entrance can be viewed all day via the trail from the picnic area even when the visitor center is closed. During normal business hours, tour groups may be gathered at the natural entrance.

Visit Wind Cave's Natural Entrance

Native American Heritage

Prairie dog standing up outside of its burrow with the edges of the photo darkened.

Prairie Dog

The prairie dog, a rodent that belongs to the squirrel family, is perhaps the easiest found animal in the park. The name "prairie dog" came from their bark-like call, not from their appearance. They were called "petit chien" or "little dog" by early French explorers and were scientifically described in the journals of Lewis and Clark. There are five species of prairie dog in North America, but this park has one prairie dog species, the black-tailed prairie dog, named for the black tip of its tail. Description Prairie dogs have small ears, short tails, and muscular legs. Their fur is buff-colored and often blends with the earth in which they dig their burrows.  Prairie dogs rely on keen hearing, excellent eyesight and a communal warning system for protection against predators. They are social animals and the areas they inhabit are known as towns or colonies. Town is a good term because, in a way, their towns are much like ours. A dog town may vary in size from an acre to several hundred acres. Tips for Spotting Them Prairie dogs can be found in their prairie dog towns throughout the park.  Remember: DO NOT FEED THE WILDLIFE.

Information about the Prairie Dog of Wind Cave National Park.

See the Prairie Dog in their Prairie Dog Towns

Wilderness

Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping permits are free and may be obtained at the visitor center. All backcountry campers MUST fill out a permit before heading out.

a tent in a prairie overlooking the forest

Backcountry camping is allowed only in the northwest area of the park. This area, north of Beaver Creek, east of Hwy. 87, south of NPS 5 and west of Highland Creek Trail, holds several different habitats - prairie, forest, and riparian - each with a variety of plants and wildlife. Several marked trails wind through that section of the park. Wind Cave is an open hike park and visitors are welcome to hike off designated trails.  A free permit is required for all backcountry camping. Permits are issued at the visitor center and help monitor use. Please follow all instructions attached to the permit. Please call the visitor center if you have any questions: (605) 745-4600

Experienced hikers may enjoy camping in Wind Cave's scenic backcountry. Thousands of acres of undeveloped forest and prairie provide countless sites for hikers to pitch a tent and camp.

Backcountry Camping at Wind Cave

Road Biking

two people in biking gear riding bikes on a dirt road in the open prairie

Biking at Wind Cave

Bicycling in Wind Cave National Park offers visitors a great opportunity to actively experience and enjoy the abundant resources of the park. There are several different ecosystems with a variety of plants and animals to see within the park.

Pets are not allowed in the backcountry. However, leashed pets are allowed on established roads and in the Elk Mountain Campground.

Periods of heavy snowfall may temporarily close park roads in the winter. Winter maintenance is not performed on gravel backcountry roads NPS 5 and 6.

Explore Wind Cave by bike. Although bikes are limited to established roads, this is a great activity for those who want to take their time to sightsee in the park.

Bike Wind Cave

Animals

Deciduous Forests

Birdwatching

a brown bird with a yellow and black belly perched on a fence

Western Meadowlark

Wind Cave is the permanent home to over 100 species of <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/birds-wica.htm">birds</a>, with many more stopping at the park during spring and fall migration. Although you can bird watch anywhere in the park, the best spots are easy to access and close to the visitor center. A printable species list is available at the bottom of the page.

Pets are prohibited inside the visitor center unless they are a certified service animal. Emotional support animals are not service animals and are not allowed in the visitor center. Leashed pets are allowed in the Elk Mountain Campground, on roads and parking lots, and on the Elk Mountain Campground Trail and Prairie Vista Trail. Pets are prohibited on all other trails and in the backcountry. Please do not bring pets to guided bird walks.

Birds may be viewed in the park year round. Peak bird activity occurs during summer months and spring and fall migrations.

Wind Cave has many opportunities to view birds throughout the year. Although you can bird watch anywhere in the park, the Elk Mountain Campground and visitor center offer the best chances to see a diversity of species while visiting the park.

The best time to view birds is in the early morning around sunrise.

Bird Watching in Wind Cave

Birds

wide gravel path at sunrise on an open hillside with many forested hills in the distance

Rankin Ridge Sunrise

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.

Leashed pets are only allowed on the Prairie Vista Trail and Elk Mountain Campground Trail. Pets are not allowed on other trails.

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.

During the summer months, the best time to start your hike is in the morning when it is cooler. Afternoon temperatures regularly exceed 90° F (32° C). If you plan on camping in the backcountry overnight, you must fill out a free backcountry permit at the visitor center first.

Hiking at Wind Cave

three bison walk down the highway next to a sign reading: large wildlife on road next 13 miles

Large Wildlife on Road

Wind Cave National Park is one of the smallest parks at over 33,000 acres. As small as it is, there is a remarkable variety of wildlife here and being able watch animals in their natural habitat is an amazing experience. Because of the park's diverse wildlife, one of the most commonly asked questions is "where are the animals?" The answer to that can be very complicated. Each section below tells you the best places to see specific animals in the park. Be aware that wildlife has free roam of the park and will not always be found in the same place. Animals change their behavior depending on the time of the year and weather.

Pets are not allowed in the backcountry. Leashed pets are only allowed on the Prairie Vista Trail and Elk Mountain Campground Trail, in parking areas, and on established roads.

View some of North America's most iconic wildlife while enjoying Black Hills scenery. Wind Cave's combination of prairie and forest ecosystems allows visitors to view a number of animals in their natural environment.

Wildlife is generally most active at dawn and dusk.

Watch Wind Cave Wildlife

Junior Ranger Program

Wind Cave Junior Ranger Program

The Junior Ranger Program is an exciting opportunity for visitors of all ages to learn about the park. Learn about the park's ecosystems, the cave, animals, and how to protect all parts of our environment.

Pets are prohibited in the Wind Cave Visitor Center, however, service animals are allowed. Emotional support animals are not service animals and are not allowed in the visitor center.

Kids of all ages can become a Wind Cave Junior Ranger. Complete the activity book, learn about the park, and take the pledge to earn a Junior Ranger badge.

Become a Wind Cave Junior Ranger

Picnicking

a picnic area with tables and several parking spots

Wind Cave Picnic Area

Having a picnic is a great way to relax outdoors with friends or family. Although Wind Cave has one designated picnic area near the visitor center, visitors are also welcome to picnic at other areas in the park. Please make sure to pack out all items you bring with you including food scraps.

Pets in the picnic area, campground, and on the Prairie Vista Trail must be on a leash at all times. Outside the picnic area, campground, and visitor center, leashed pets are only allowed on established roads and in parking areas.

All picnic spots are first-come, first-serve and cannot be reserved.

Looking for a quiet place to enjoy a picnic? Whether you're looking for a good picnic spot or just a place to eat lunch while waiting for a tour, the picnic area is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.

The picnic area is open from sunrise to sunset.

Picnic at Wind Cave

an adult male elk silhouetted far away in an open prairie at dusk

Elk Silhouette

With the arrival of fall comes the elk rut. During this time, male elk (called bulls) compete for females (called cows) by fighting with their antlers and making a loud wailing bugle. This bugle heralds fall in the western United States and can be heard from dusk until dawn in the park each year. Hear what an elk bugle sounds like by listening to the audio clip below.

Leashed pets are allowed in the Elk Mountain Campground, in parking areas, on established roads, the Elk Mountain Campground Trail, and Prairie Vista Trail. Pets are not allowed on other trails or in the backcountry. Please do not bring dogs or other pets to the ranger led elk bugling program.

Elk typically bugle from early September through October. They may be heard as early as the end of August and as late as early November.

In September and October, male elk can be heard as they bugle to challenge each other and attract females. This haunting sound is a sure sign that fall has arrived in the West. During this time of the year, visitors may be able to join a ranger to listen for these charismatic animals.

The best time to listen for elk is after sunset and before sunrise. Elk also bugle during the night.

Listen For Bugling Elk

Horse Trekking

Horseback riding permits are for day use only; overnight stays are not permitted.

Horseback riding permits are free and may be obtained at the visitor center.

a group of people on horses riding into the prairie

Horseback Riding in Wind Cave

Wind Cave National Park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including horseback riding opportunities. Although there are no facilities in the park that provide horses, the park’s 33,000 acres of rolling prairie and ponderosa pine forest are ideal spots for horse owners to ride their own horses. All horseback riders must obtain a free permit at the visitor center. These permits are used by park managers to monitor use.

Pets such as dogs are not allowed in the backcountry unless they are a certified service animal. Emotional support animals are not service animals and are not allowed in backcountry areas.

The sprawling prairies and open ponderosa woodlands of Wind Cave give horseback riders thousands of acres to explore. Though there are no facilities within the park that provide horses, visitors may fill out a free day permit to bring their own horses into the park.

Wind Cave National Park protects two very different worlds - one deep within the earth, the other a sunlit world of many resources. Bison, elk, and other wildlife roam the rolling prairie grasslands and forested hillsides of one of America's oldest national parks. Below the remnant island of intact prairie sits Wind Cave, one of the longest and most complex caves in the world.