Skip to content
RideJoy
a bison cow and calf on the prairie
NPS Photo / Dan Roddy

Park Closure

Wind Cave Canyon Trail Closed for Repair and Improvement

Wind Cave Canyon Trail is closed so that the trail and adjoining road can be repaired from frequent washouts. Sixteen low water crossings will be hardened and the road resurfaced. The trail could be closed for several weeks.

Information

Centennial Trailhead Parking

Reminder: Overnight parking without a camping permit is prohibited. Permits are not issued specifically for parking. Shuttles are available in the Black Hills for through hikers on the Centennial Trail.

Information

Wind Cave moves to cashless fee collection

Payments for cave tours, campground fees, as well as Interagency Passes at Wind Cave National Park, will be by credit/ debit cards or digital payments only. Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted.

National ParkHorse trails

Wind Cave National Park

SD · Hot Springs

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.

Riding guide

Highlights

Wind Cave National Park offers wide-open prairie riding beneath big South Dakota skies.

Riding

Rideable terrain here is noted as 33,000 acres, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. Wind Cave National Park offers wide-open prairie riding beneath big South Dakota skies. Equestrians can explore rolling grasslands and pine forest terrain on their own horses with a free day-use permit. While overnight horse camping is not permitted inside the park, riders seeking quiet, uncrowded Miles and frequent wildlife sightings, including bison and elk, will find a peaceful and uniquely Western riding experience here.

Rideable terrain

33,000 acres

Trailer parking

Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center This is the most reliable staging area for riders entering the park. Why riders use it Large parking areas that can accommodate trucks and trailers Location where riders must obtain the free horseback riding permit before entering the backcountry Easy access to park roads leading to open prairie riding terrain Elk Mountain Campground Another commonly used staging location. Benefits Spacious campground access roads and parking areas Close to open prairie areas that are well suited for riding Good starting point for exploring the north and east prairie sections of the park. Highway 87 Scenic Pullouts Several large roadside pullouts along Highway 87 provide room for trailers and access to open prairie terrain. Why riders use them Direct access to prairie landscapes ideal for cross-country riding Less traffic than the visitor center area Flexible staging points for different riding routes.

Horse regulations

Permit Requirements All horseback riders must obtain a free day-use permit at the visitor center before riding. Allowed Areas Most of the park’s open prairie and ponderosa pine forest is open to riding. Prohibited Horse Use Horses may not be ridden in these areas: Near water sources On maintained hiking trails On park roadways In campgrounds and picnic areas Day-Use Only Horseback riding permits are valid only for daytime use Overnight horse camping is not permitted within the park boundaries. Feed Requirements All hay and feed brought into the park must be certified weed-free. Parking & Stock Etiquette Vehicles and trailers must be parked so they do not harm natural resources or block traffic. Hitching horses in ways that might damage natural or cultural resources is prohibited. All feeding areas and parking spots must be cleaned of feed and manure when finished.

Getting here

Use 26611 US-385, Hot Springs, South Dakota as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center This is the most reliable staging area for riders entering the park. Why riders use it Large parking areas that can accommodate trucks and trailers Location where riders must obtain the free horseback riding permit before entering the backcountry Easy access to park roads leading to open prairie riding terrain Elk Mountain Campground Another commonly used staging location. Benefits Spacious campground access roads and parking areas Close to open prairie areas that are well suited for riding Good starting point for exploring the north and east prairie sections of the park. Highway 87 Scenic Pullouts Several large roadside pullouts along Highway 87 provide room for trailers and access to open prairie terrain. Why riders use them Direct access to prairie landscapes ideal for cross-country riding Less traffic than the visitor center area Flexible staging points for different riding routes.

Planning your visit

Wind Cave National Park offers one of the most unique horseback riding experiences in the National Park system because riders are allowed to travel across most of the park’s open landscape rather than being restricted to a formal trail network. However, this freedom comes with several important considerations for visitors bringing their own horses. Most of the Park Is Open to Cross-Country Riding Unlike many national parks that limit horses to designated trails, riders at Wind Cave may travel cross-country across much of the park’s prairie and forest landscape. This allows riders to explore rolling grasslands, pine-covered hills, and wildlife-rich valleys. However, riders must avoid certain areas including: Maintained hiking trails Park roads Campgrounds and picnic areas Areas close to water sources Sensitive natural or cultural sites A Free Permit Is Required All riders must obtain a free horseback riding permit before entering the park with horses. Permits are issued at the visitor center and help park staff track equestrian use and protect sensitive areas. Wildlife Encounters Are Common Wind Cave National Park protects one of the most intact mixed-grass prairie ecosystems in the United States. Riders frequently encounter: Bison Elk Pronghorn Prairie dogs Wild turkeys and other wildlife Horses should be comfortable around wildlife, especially bison, which can be unpredictable. There Are No Horse Facilities The park does not provide developed equestrian amenities such as: Corrals Hitching rails Horse camping areas Water troughs Riders must bring all supplies needed for their horses and plan rides accordingly. Terrain Is Open Prairie and Pine Forest Riding terrain varies across the park and may include: Rolling prairie grasslands Ponderosa pine forest hills Rocky slopes and open meadows Weather conditions and wind can change quickly on the open prairie, so riders should be prepared for variable conditions. Respect the Prairie Ecosystem Wind Cave protects a fragile prairie ecosystem that supports native grasses and wildlife. To minimize impact: Avoid riding through wetlands or fragile areas Do not chase or approach wildlife Leave no trace when traveling across open terrain

Where to stay

Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. This entry reads best as a bring-your-own-horse destination rather than a horse-rental stop, and amenities should be confirmed directly before travel. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near Hot Springs before heading deeper into federal-land access points.

Park map

Trails

No trails synced for this park yet.

Campgrounds

Points of interest

Things to do

Visitor centers

Hours of operation

Wind Cave National Park

The park is open all day, every day. Snow or severe weather can limit access to some areas of the park, especially in winter. Visitor Center hours and cave tour schedules vary throughout the year. Visit the park website or call 605.745.4600 for current conditions.

Mon

All Day

Tue

All Day

Wed

All Day

Thu

All Day

Fri

All Day

Sat

All Day

Sun

All Day

Activities

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingBikingRoad BikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingRV CampingCavingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - AutoHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingHorse TrekkingJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store

Weather

Spring: Highs range from 50-70°F with highly variable weather. Spring is the park's wettest season. Summer: Hot and generally dry with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 80°F (27°C). Strong thunderstorms are common and can produce large hail and lightning. Fall: Generally dry with warm days and cool nights. Highs 50-60°F. Lows below freezing are common. Winter: Highs are in the high 30s with lows around 10°F. Snowfall averages 30 inches annually, periodically closing park roads.

Contact

Voice6057454600
Fax6057454207
EmailWICA_interpretation@nps.gov

Photos

Stay near this park

No horse-friendly stays listed near Wind Cave National Park yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.

List your property

Directions

Wind Cave National Park is located in South Dakota about 11 miles north of Hot Springs, or about 22 miles south of Custer, on US Highway 385. The park Visitor Center, where all cave tours begin, is approximately 1/2 mile west of the highway.

Get directionsOfficial directions

Source: nps.gov