Wind Cave Trails and Wildlife: Exploring the Prairie Above the Caverns

A Hidden Gem Above Ground

While Wind Cave National Park is renowned for its spectacular underground labyrinth, many visitors are surprised to discover that the park’s surface features are equally impressive. Above the maze of passages lies one of the largest remaining natural mixed-grass prairies in the United States—a rare glimpse into the vast grasslands that once covered much of North America.

Spanning 33,851 acres of pristine landscape, Wind Cave’s surface world protects a thriving ecosystem where bison roam freely, prairie dog towns bustle with activity, and native grasses wave in the breeze. This preserved environment offers visitors a chance to experience the Great Plains as they existed centuries ago, before widespread settlement transformed the landscape.

With over 30 miles of hiking trails winding through diverse terrain, from open prairie to ponderosa pine forest, the park provides countless opportunities for outdoor exploration. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast hoping to photograph bison, a hiker seeking panoramic views, or a family looking for an easy nature walk, Wind Cave’s surface trails offer something for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll explore the park’s best hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and tips for making the most of your above-ground adventure at Wind Cave National Park.

The Prairie Ecosystem: A Rare Natural Treasure

Wind Cave National Park protects one of the most ecologically significant mixed-grass prairies remaining in North America. This ecosystem represents a transition zone where the taller grasses of the eastern prairies meet the shorter grasses of the western plains, creating a diverse habitat that supports an impressive variety of plant and animal species.

A Tapestry of Grasses and Wildflowers

The prairie at Wind Cave features over 450 plant species, including:

• Western wheatgrass – A native blue-green grass that can grow up to 3 feet tall
• Little bluestem – Recognizable by its reddish-copper color in fall
• Buffalo grass – A short grass that once sustained vast bison herds
• Prairie coneflower – Yellow wildflowers that brighten the landscape in summer
• Pasque flower – South Dakota’s state flower, one of the first to bloom in spring

This diverse plant community creates a resilient ecosystem that has adapted to survive drought, fire, and grazing—natural processes that the park actively manages to maintain prairie health. In spring and early summer, the prairie comes alive with colorful wildflowers, creating spectacular displays that draw photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Fire: Nature’s Renewal Tool

Fire plays a crucial role in maintaining the prairie ecosystem. Wind Cave National Park was among the first to implement prescribed burns in the 1970s, a practice that continues today. These carefully managed fires prevent forest encroachment, reduce invasive species, and stimulate new growth of native grasses and wildflowers.

Visitors may notice recently burned areas during their explorations. These blackened patches quickly transform into vibrant green growth, demonstrating the prairie’s remarkable resilience and adaptation to fire. Interpretive signs along trails and at pullouts explain this important ecological process.

Wildlife Viewing: The Big and Small of Wind Cave

Wind Cave National Park is home to an impressive diversity of wildlife, from massive bison to tiny prairie dogs. The park’s mix of grasslands and pine savanna creates ideal habitat for many species, making wildlife viewing one of the most popular activities.

Iconic Prairie Mammals

The park’s most famous residents include:

• Bison – Wind Cave maintains a herd of approximately 350-400 genetically pure bison, free of cattle genes and brucellosis. These magnificent animals can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and are frequently seen grazing in open grasslands.
• Elk – Reintroduced to the park in the early 1900s, elk are most commonly spotted at dawn and dusk in forest edges and meadows.
• Pronghorn – Often mistakenly called “antelope,” these swift runners (capable of speeds up to 60 mph) favor open grasslands and can frequently be seen from park roads.
• Mule Deer – Recognizable by their large ears and bouncing gait, mule deer are common throughout the park, especially in transition zones between forest and prairie.
• Prairie Dogs – Black-tailed prairie dogs create extensive “towns” throughout the park. These social rodents play a crucial role in the ecosystem, creating habitat for burrowing owls and serving as prey for many predators.
• Coyotes – These adaptable predators can be seen throughout the park, often hunting in prairie dog towns or meadows.

Birds of the Prairie and Forest

Wind Cave is an excellent destination for bird watchers, with over 190 species recorded in the park. Notable species include:

• Burrowing Owls – These small owls nest in abandoned prairie dog burrows and can often be spotted standing near burrow entrances.
• Western Meadowlarks – South Dakota’s state bird, known for its beautiful song and bright yellow breast with distinctive black “V”.
• Golden Eagles – These magnificent raptors soar above the prairie hunting for prey.
• Sharp-tailed Grouse – Best spotted in early morning when males perform elaborate mating dances on traditional display grounds.
• Wild Turkeys – Common in forested areas, especially near water sources.

Best Times and Places for Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife viewing success depends largely on timing and location:

• Time of Day – Dawn and dusk offer the best opportunities, when animals are most active.
• Seasons – Spring brings new births and more visible activity; fall rutting season for elk and bison creates dramatic displays.
• Locations – Prairie dog towns along US Highway 385 and SD Highway 87; open grasslands visible from the Red Valley Drive (NPS Roads 5 and 6); forest edges along Rankin Ridge.

Wildlife Safety

While viewing wildlife is a highlight of any visit to Wind Cave, safety must be the priority:

• Maintain a minimum distance of 25 yards from bison, elk, and other large animals.
• Never approach, touch, or feed any wildlife.
• Stay in your vehicle when viewing bison near roads.
• Be aware that bison can run three times faster than humans and may charge if they feel threatened.
• Keep pets leashed and only on designated pet-friendly trails (Prairie Vista Trail).

Remember that wildlife has the right of way on all trails. If you encounter bison or elk on a trail, give them wide berth or turn back if necessary.

Hiking Trails: Exploring Wind Cave’s Surface Wonders

With over 30 miles of trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes, Wind Cave National Park offers hiking opportunities for all ages and abilities. Each trail showcases different aspects of the park’s diverse landscape.

Easy Trails (Under 2 miles, minimal elevation change)

Prairie Vista Trail

Length: 0.6-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Near the visitor center
Highlights: Prairie ecology, interpretive signs, possible bison viewing

This paved, wheelchair-accessible trail is perfect for families and those seeking a quick introduction to Wind Cave’s prairie ecosystem. Interpretive signs explain the plants, animals, and ecological processes that shape the landscape. As one of the few trails that allows leashed pets, it’s also a good option for those traveling with dogs.

Elk Mountain Trail

Length: 1-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Elk Mountain Campground
Highlights: Forest and grassland transition, prairie dog town

This gentle trail connects the campground to a prairie dog town, passing through both ponderosa pine forest and open grassland. The varied habitat makes it excellent for wildlife viewing, particularly in early morning or evening. Campers often enjoy this as a sunset stroll before returning to their sites.

Moderate Trails (1-3 miles, some elevation change)

Rankin Ridge Trail

Length: 1-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Rankin Ridge parking area off NPS Road 5
Highlights: Panoramic views, historic fire lookout tower, diverse plant life

This trail climbs to the highest point in the park (elevation 5,013 feet), offering spectacular 360-degree views of the Black Hills and surrounding prairie. The historic fire lookout tower at the summit provides an excellent vantage point for photography. Wayside exhibits explain the area’s fire ecology and geology. While short, the trail includes a steady uphill climb that some visitors find challenging.

Wind Cave Canyon Trail

Length: 1.8 miles one-way (3.6 miles round-trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Wind Cave Canyon parking area on US Highway 385
Highlights: Bird watching, canyon views, cave’s natural entrance

Following an old road into a scenic limestone canyon, this trail is renowned for excellent bird watching opportunities. Hawks, swallows, and occasionally golden eagles can be spotted soaring above the canyon walls. At the trail’s end, visitors can see the area near the cave’s natural entrance, where bats emerge at sunset during summer months.

Challenging Trails (4+ miles, significant elevation change)

Lookout Point Trail

Length: 5 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Trailhead: Near Elk Mountain Campground
Highlights: Open prairie, Beaver Creek, wildlife viewing

This out-and-back trail traverses open prairie to Beaver Creek, one of the park’s few year-round water sources. The route offers excellent opportunities to spot bison, pronghorn, and other wildlife grazing in the grasslands. The trail connects with the Centennial Trail, allowing for longer hikes for those seeking more distance.

Centennial Trail (Wind Cave Section)

Length: 6 miles one-way
Difficulty: Challenging
Trailhead: Northern park boundary or Wind Cave Canyon
Highlights: Rolling hills, diverse ecosystems, solitude

The famous Centennial Trail of South Dakota (111 miles total) has its southern terminus in Wind Cave National Park. Hikers can trek through the park from the northern boundary to Wind Cave Canyon, experiencing a variety of landscapes from dense forest to open prairie. This trail continues beyond the park into Custer State Park, making it ideal for those seeking longer adventures.

Scenic Drives: Exploring Wind Cave by Car

Not all exploration requires hiking boots. Wind Cave National Park offers several scenic driving routes that provide excellent opportunities for landscape appreciation and wildlife viewing from the comfort of your vehicle.

Main Park Roads

The primary paved routes through the park are US Highway 385 and SD Highway 87, which intersect near the visitor center. These well-maintained roads traverse the park north-south and offer frequent wildlife sightings, particularly of bison and prairie dogs. Several pullouts with interpretive signs (“wayside exhibits”) allow visitors to safely stop and learn about prairie dog colonies, fire ecology, and historical sites.

Red Valley Drive (NPS Roads 5 and 6)

For a more immersive experience, take the gravel NPS Road 5 and 6 loop through the park’s eastern backcountry, often called Red Valley Drive. This scenic route (accessible by most passenger vehicles in dry weather) leads through quieter prairie where wildlife sightings are common and offers vistas of the red-layered badlands formations on the park’s eastern boundary.

The drive takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on stops, and connects back to the main highways. This is often where visitors spot elk, particularly in early morning or evening hours.

Wildlife Viewing Tips for Drivers

• Drive slowly and scan both sides of the road for movement
• Use pullouts when stopping to view wildlife—never stop in the roadway
• Keep windows partially closed when near bison
• Have binoculars and cameras ready but accessible without distraction
• Be especially cautious at dawn and dusk when animals are most active and visibility is reduced
• Always obey speed limits and watch for animals crossing the road

Camping and Overnight Options

To fully experience Wind Cave’s surface world, consider spending a night under the stars at Elk Mountain Campground, located just one mile from the visitor center off SD Highway 87.

Elk Mountain Campground

This peaceful campground offers 62 sites nestled at the edge of a ponderosa pine forest and prairie meadow. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations) except for occasional group sites.

Amenities include:

• Potable water
• Flush toilets (seasonally)
• Picnic tables
• Fire grates
• Trash bins

There are no RV hookups, though the campground can accommodate vehicles up to approximately 36 feet in length. The campground is open year-round, with fees collected via self-pay station (credit/debit only). In winter, only a portion may remain open depending on weather conditions.

During summer months, rangers often lead evening programs at the campground amphitheater, covering topics from cave geology to astronomy under the park’s dark skies.

Backcountry Camping

For a more immersive experience, Wind Cave permits backcountry camping in the park’s undeveloped northern areas. Visitors must obtain a free backcountry permit from the visitor center and follow these guidelines:

• Camp at least 0.5 mile from any road or trail
• Practice Leave No Trace principles
• Store food properly to avoid attracting wildlife
• No open fires (camp stoves only)
• Pack out all trash

Backcountry camping offers solitude and the chance to experience the prairie’s night sounds, from coyote howls to the rustle of wind through the grass.