Wind Cave Canyon Trail
An easy hike on an old dirt road shouldered by limestone cliffs and ponderosa pine, and known for its birding opportunities.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 5.8 km
- Ascent
- 76 m
- Descent
- 76 m
Hiking in South Dakota
Go hiking in South Dakota with curated guides of the best hikes across the region. With over 15 3D trail maps in FATMAP, you can easily discover and navigate the best trails in South Dakota.
No matter what your next adventure has in store, you can find a guide on FATMAP to help you plan your next epic trip.
Get a top hiking trail recommendation in South Dakota from one of our 3 guidebooks, or get inspired by the 15 local adventures uploaded by the FATMAP community. Start exploring now!
Hiking Routes in South Dakota
Cold Brook Canyon Trail
An out-and-back family-friendly hike popular for birdwatching.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 4.6 km
- Ascent
- 71 m
- Descent
- 71 m
Rankin Ridge
Wander through a mature ponderosa pine forest and enjoy breathtaking views from the park's highest point.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 1.6 km
- Ascent
- 75 m
- Descent
- 75 m
Elk Mountain Trail
A short, dog-friendly hike around the campground where the towering ponderosa pine meet the lush grasslands.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 1.3 km
- Ascent
- 40 m
- Descent
- 40 m
Prairie Vista Trail
An easy family-friendly hike through the grasslands along Wind Cave's visitor center.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 1 km
- Ascent
- 30 m
- Descent
- 30 m
Big Badlands Overlook Trail
A short overlook hike at the Northeast Entrance of Badlands National Park.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 344 m
- Ascent
- 8 m
- Descent
- 8 m
Fossil Exhibit Trail
A short family-friendly boardwalk hike with several placards detailing the fossils that have been found in the Badlands.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 350 m
- Ascent
- 1 m
- Descent
- 1 m
Castle Trail / Medicine Root Loop
An excellent hiking loop with stunning sandstone formations, contrasted by vast open prairies.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 6.4 km
- Ascent
- 30 m
- Descent
- 30 m
Hiking Guidebooks in South Dakota
8 routes · Hiking
8 Must-Do Hikes in the Badlands
5 routes · Hiking
5 Family-Friendly Day Hikes to Explore Wind Cave NP
63 routes · Alpine Climbing · Hiking