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A very easy and picturesque trail!


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Map Key

1.9

Miles

3.0

KM

Point to Point

4,015' 1,224 m

High

3,815' 1,163 m

Low

5' 1 m

Up

203' 62 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

6%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Wildlife

Family Friendly Non-strenuous trail and there are lots of fun animals to see.

Description

This trail is easily accessed from 385, where a small dirt parking lot exists just east of the road. The Highland Creek Trail and the East Bison Flats Trail both intersect this trail, as well if you feel like hiking more than 1.5 miles.

Though this trail is more of a dirt fire road, some of the trail markers in the area are confusing. The trailhead talks about the East Bison Flats Trail, which branches to the southwest about .4 miles in, however, the sign and various markers along the way denote that the Wind Cave Canyon Trail continues this direction as well.. It's easy to wander around for a while on unmarked hills before going back down. The trail is just the road, disregard the other markers.

The trail ends at the border of the park.

Flora & Fauna

Sandstone cliffs are marked with many swallow nests. Overall, this is a great birdwatching area (owls, hawks, turkeys), and lots of bison inhabit the area as well.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jessie Evans

Trail Ratings

  3.3 from 4 votes

#27465

Overall
  3.3 from 4 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#80

in South Dakota

#27,465

Overall
6 Views Last Month
896 Since Oct 1, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

75%
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Photos

Bison right on the trail!
Aug 6, 2020 near Hot Spr…, SD
The trail as it meanders through an open field.
Nov 4, 2021 near Hot Spr…, SD
Remains of a Buffalo along the Wind Cave Canyon Trail.
Nov 4, 2021 near Hot Spr…, SD
Sandstone cliffs in the canyon.
May 11, 2016 near Hot Spr…, SD
Swallow nests.
May 11, 2016 near Hot Spr…, SD

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 7, 2022
Zoey Franzen
3.4mi — 1h 31m
May 25, 2022
John Eversmeyer
3.1mi — 1h 18m
Aug 15, 2021
Rosie Betenbaugh
12h 23m
May 31, 2021
Liz Rogers
2mi
May 29, 2021
Liz Rogers
2mi
Jul 8, 2020
Adam S
Bison, elk, turkey, and more. Lots of animals and a hidden shooting range. The trail ends abruptly at a barb wire fence on the park edge — 7h 00m
Jun 24, 2020
Parker Antwine
0.5mi
Apr 25, 2020
Kayla Lyman
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