On June 5, 2022, we hiked the Rankin Ridge Trail in Wind Cave National Park, and it turned out to be one of the most rewarding short hikes of our South Dakota trip.

The adventure began before we even reached the trailhead. Along the drive through the park, a pronghorn appeared near the road. We slowed down to capture a few photographs of the beautiful animal before it gracefully sprinted away across the prairie. Wildlife sightings like this are one of the many reasons Wind Cave National Park is such a special place to visit.

The Rankin Ridge Trail is a one-mile loop with approximately 293 feet of elevation gain. While short, the trail offers a steady uphill climb at the beginning before becoming easier on the return trip. Most hikers would consider it a moderate hike, but the effort is minimal compared to the incredible scenery waiting at the top.

The trail winds through open grasslands and pine-covered hills, with colorful spring wildflowers adding splashes of color along the way. The combination of blooming flowers, fresh green vegetation, and expansive views made the hike especially enjoyable during our early June visit.

As we climbed higher, the vistas continued to improve. The highlight of the trail is the historic fire tower located at the summit of Rankin Ridge. From this elevated vantage point, visitors are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, visibility extends for miles across the Great Plains and the Black Hills region, with views stretching into Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

We spent quite a while at the summit simply taking in the scenery and appreciating the peacefulness of the area. Despite the trail’s popularity, we encountered very few people and practically had the summit to ourselves until returning to the parking area.

For such a short hike, the reward is remarkable. The combination of wildflowers, wildlife, solitude, and spectacular views makes the Rankin Ridge Trail one of the best easy-to-moderate hikes in Wind Cave National Park.

If You Go

• Location: Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
• Trail: Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail
• Distance: 1-mile loop
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 293 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights:
  • Historic fire tower
  • Panoramic Black Hills views
  • Spring wildflowers
  • Wildlife viewing opportunities
  • One of the highest viewpoints in the park
• Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall
• Allow: 30–60 minutes
• What to Bring: Water, camera, sun protection, and comfortable hiking shoes

Reference AllTrails

Rankin Ridge Trail Photos

South Dakota Hiking and Attraction Map

You might enjoy these posts nearby:

• Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail, SD
• Crazy Horse Monument, SD
• Spearfish Canyon and waterfalls, SD
• Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop
• Badlands National Park, SD
• Cathedral Spires Trail and Needles Highway, SD
• Mount Rushmore, SD