Wind Cave National Park, tucked away in South Dakota’s Black Hills, is best known for its namesake cave system—one of the longest and most complex in the world. But beyond the caverns lies a landscape rich with wildlife and scenic hiking trails, many of which are easy to moderate in difficulty.

Having explored every trail in the park, I can confidently say that the most memorable experience came on the Lookout Point Trail. While the Rankin Ridge Trail offers stunning panoramic views with minimal effort, it was the wildlife that made Lookout Point stand out. Specifically: prairie dogs. Hundreds of them.

Wind Cave National Park is home to around 400 bison, and sightings are fairly common throughout the park, but they remain unpredictable in where they will be at any given time. But prairie dog encounters are more predictable, as they don’t stray fair from their homes. If you enter the park from the south—via the town of Hot Springs—you’ll pass a lively prairie dog town stretching along the roadside. It’s tempting to stop and watch them chatter and scamper around, but pulling over is discouraged (and can earn you a warning from rangers).

The Lookout Point Trail solves that problem perfectly: it offers a front-row seat to the prairie dog show, without blocking traffic or breaking any rules. It also makes you feel more like you are seeing them in their nature habitat, as it’s free from a busy roadway.

In this article, I cover the hike itself, as well as recommended lodging and additional guide topics.

If you’re looking for another 5-mile hike, the Hell Canyon Trail—also located in the southern section of the Black Hills—pairs perfectly with this one. While the Lookout Point Trail is known for its open plains, prairie dogs, and bison, the Hell Canyon Trail offers a completely different experience with dramatic rocky cliffs and canyon views.

Hiking the Lookout Point Trail

This trail is of moderate difficulty, measuring around 5 miles with approximately 540 feet of elevation gain. With a few stops to photograph prairie dogs and enjoy the views, it took me about 2 hours to complete. I think it’s a great option even for non-hikers—the only truly challenging part is the final stretch near the end. The trail is partially shaded (about 30% shade, 70% sun-exposed), so on hot or sunny days, it’s wise to plan your start time with sun exposure in mind.

This loop trail takes you up onto an open plain, then down a wooded path into a valley before climbing back up to the parking area. You can hike it in either direction, but I recommend going counterclockwise, as I did—it offers a nice build-up to the views.

Both sides of the loop begin at the same small parking lot, which holds about 5 to 7 cars. This lot also marks the southern end of the Centennial Trail—a 111-mile route that begins in Bear Butte State Park and winds its way through the Black Hills.

The first mile or so of the trail involves a steady climb to the top of the plain, rewarding you with sweeping views of the surrounding rolling hills. The trail gets its name from this scenic overlook, but it’s best known for the prairie dogs that inhabit the area. For about a mile, you’ll pass through several sections dotted with prairie dog holes and filled with their constant squeaking.

During my hike, I also came across five bison on the trail, seen in the image below. I waited from a safe distance, and eventually, they moved off the path, allowing me to continue. Bison encounters on the trail can be bit scary. It’s important to note that they are temperamental at times, but they aren’t bears. They aren’t going to track you down if you keep your distance and stay calm.

This section of the trail is extremely exposed to the sun. I highly recommend wearing and bringing sunscreen. I’m a big fan of Banana Boat Sport spray—it’s quick and easy for covering arms and legs, and I always keep a can in my car for a last-minute spray before hitting the trail. My bigger issue, though, is that I’m a classic post-hike red-nose person, no matter what hat I wear. Since last year, I’ve been using Eucerin Tinted Sunscreen for my face. It comes in a small bottle that fits perfectly in my hiking bag, so I can reapply every hour or so when I stop for water.

The prairie dogs are cautious around humans but surprisingly not overly afraid—though they’re certainly very vocal. It’s nearly impossible to hike this trail without encountering them up close, but once they feel you’re too close, they’ll dive into their holes. My advice is to keep moving and stay on the trail to avoid disturbing them.

Fun Fact: Prairie dogs “yell” to warn each other about danger, such as predators or approaching humans. Scientists believe their calls are highly detailed, helping the group stay safe by identifying the type of threat nearby.

Descending from the plains into the valley is quite steep, as shown in the elevation map above, and it can be helpful to have trekking poles. I always carry poles with me after a few “trusting All Trails, only to find the trail in terrible condition” moments. I use the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z poles, which are lightweight but a bit pricey. Since I also trail run, I felt they were a good investment, and for day trips, they don’t feel like a burden to carry just in case.

After the descent, as you enter the valley, the trail overlaps with both the Centennial Trail and the Wind Cave Canyon Trail. To stay on track, if you’re hiking counterclockwise, simply keep left at each junction. If you’re following trail numbers, you’ll want to stick with trail #4; however, at some points in the valley, the signs will show “4/7” or just “7.” As long as you keep to the left, you’ll remain on the correct trail—it’s just that certain sections overlap with others.

One note: at the second junction with the Centennial Trail, keeping left may seem like you’re heading uphill, but the trail actually continues straight for another hundred feet or so. The information sign for the junction is located a bit early, so just stay on course.

Recommended Lodging near Wind Cave National Park

Lodging in Hot Springs

If your visit is focused primarily on the southern part of the park, Hot Springs is an ideal base. It offers a range of lodging options, dining spots, and—true to its name—natural hot springs to soak in after a day of hiking. It’s also conveniently located right off SD-79 South, which makes for an easier drive, especially if you’re arriving in the evening when wildlife is more active near the roads.

• Allen Ranch – Camping & RV Options – Offering comparable prices to the state park campground but closer to downtown Hot Springs, Allen Ranch is a great choice for nature lovers who want convenient access to local amenities. The ranch provides spacious sites for tents and RVs, plus family-friendly features such as a children’s playground and barbecue facilities.

• Hidden Lake Campground and Resort – Cabins & Bungalows – For a more comfortable stay close to nature, Hidden Lake offers well-kept bungalows and cozy cabins nestled in a scenic, wooded setting. This resort is known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect retreat for couples or families who want to unwind without sacrificing comfort.

Budget-Friendly Motels in Hot Springs:

• Econo Lodge – A no-frills, budget-friendly option ideal for travelers seeking basic accommodations near downtown. Includes free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast.
• Super 8 by Wyndham Hot Springs – Another affordable pick offering clean rooms, complimentary breakfast, and a convenient location for exploring the area.
• Hills Inn – A step up in comfort while still remaining budget-friendly. Hills Inn offers simple but pleasant rooms and features a seasonal outdoor pool for relaxing after a day of adventure.

Lodging in Custer

If your plans include exploring more of the Black Hills region, Custer is a better central hub. This town also has plenty of places to eat, drink, and stay, and it’s closer to major attractions like Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and the Black Elk Peak Trailhead. Staying in Custer puts you in a great position to see a wider variety of sights with shorter drives between destinations.

• Chalet Motel – Unique Stay, Vintage – A vintage, locally owned motel since 1938, offering cozy rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Located near downtown Custer, it’s a short walk to restaurants and shops.

• Rock Crest Lodge & Cabins – Cabins and ‘in the woods vibe’ – Nestled on 10 acres bordering the Black Hills National Forest, this lodge offers a range of accommodations from lodge rooms to cabins with fireplaces and full kitchens. Amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool, hot tub, picnic area, and free Wi-Fi.

Budget-Friendly Motels in Custer

• Econo Lodge – Downtown Custer – This award-winning, seasonal hotel offers free Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast. It’s within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and bars.

• Super 8 by Wyndham Custer/Crazy Horse Area – A reliable and affordable option featuring an indoor pool, hot tub, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary breakfast. Conveniently located near downtown Custer.

Preparing for the Hike: Additional Resources

If you’re looking for more hiking recommendations in the area, I highly recommend picking up Falcon Guides’ Hiking the Black Hills Country. I personally own both this book and the Hiking South Dakota edition. While both are great, the key difference is in their regional focus.

The Hiking South Dakota guide includes trails from across the entire state. This makes it a useful resource if you’re a local or plan to explore beyond the Black Hills—like I do, living in Sioux Falls. However, if you’re primarily visiting the western part of the state, two thirds of the hikes in that book won’t be relevant to your trip.

That’s where Hiking the Black Hills Country really shines. It covers a concentrated and practical selection of trails not only in South Dakota’s Black Hills, but also nearby areas in Wyoming, such as Sundance and Devils Tower National Monument. It features a broader range of hikes across key sites including Badlands National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, and the Black Elk Wilderness.

For an all around regional travel book I would recommend Fodor’s The Black Hills of South Dakota: with Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park. Which is a great resource for all things in the region.

Happy Trekking!

-Aurora