Wind Cave National Park, nestled 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 above ground, the park offers a landscape full of wildlife and scenic trails, many suited for easy to moderate hikes. Having explored all of Wind Cave’s trails, I can confidently say that the Rankin Ridge Trail stands out as the most visually impressive.
This short hike provides sweeping views of the eastern Black Hills, and on a clear day, you can even see the Badlands in the distance. It’s a perfect add-on after driving the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park or following a cave tour at Wind Cave National Park—ideal for stretching your legs while taking in the scenery.
Although Rankin Ridge Trails offer the most dramatic views in Wind Cave National Park, wildlife encounters are rare. While you can spot prairie dogs near the main road turnoff for Rankin Ridge Trailhead, it’s not quite the same as hiking among them. For a better chance to see wildlife and experience the rolling plains, I recommend the 5-mile Lookout Point Loop Trail in Wind Cave National Park.
The trail is about a mile long with 250 feet of elevation gain. It’s best hiked clockwise—the ascent takes you through a shaded forest path with only a few partial views, and the trail is somewhat narrow. Descending via the wider dirt road is much easier and more comfortable.
Although the elevation map might make the trail look steep, it’s actually quite manageable and very beginner-friendly.
After passing through the wooded section and turning south with the trail, the trees begin to thin out, revealing sweeping views of the easternmost part of the Black Hills. Looking beyond the forested hills, Badlands National Park can be seen.
As the trail continues, you’ll walk along a ridge that gradually leads up to the fire tower. The tower itself is locked and not accessible to the public, but it marks the highest point of the hike. From here, the trail transitions into a dirt road, which you’ll follow on the descent. The road is in good condition and offers an easy, gradual way back down.
I hiked this trail on a cloudy day, but the second half is very sun-exposed—so 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.
Recommended Lodging near Wind Cave National Park
Based on the location of this hike, I recommend staying in the town of Custer. However, if you plan to focus your trip on the southern part of the park, Hot Springs makes an ideal base.
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.
Lodging in Hot Springs
Hot Springs 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.
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
