Where is the Lookout Point Trail in Wind Cave National Park?

The Lookout Point Trail is in Wind Cave National Park, just east of the Black Hills in South Dakota. It's about 5 minutes from the Wind Cave Visitor Center. Use this trailhead address: Lookout Point Trailhead, Rt-87, Custer, SD 57730.

How long is the Lookout Point Trail hike?

The hike is about 2.8 miles round trip with around 420 feet of climbing. Most people can do it in 1–2 hours.

Is there an entry fee for Wind Cave National Park?

There’s no entry fee for Wind Cave National Park or its trails. You only need to pay if you’re doing a cave tour.

Can you see bison on the Lookout Point Trail?

Yes, if you’re lucky you can see bison from one of the most genetically pure herds in the country. Stay at least 25 yards away and give them plenty of space—they can run up to 35 mph.

What should I bring for the Lookout Point Trail hike?

The trail is easy and can be done in fitness clothes or light hiking gear. Cell coverage is spotty, so a GPS or satellite communicator is a good idea. Weather can change fast, so check the forecast and be ready for sun, storms, or snow.

Are dogs allowed on the Lookout Point Trail?

No, dogs are not allowed on this trail.

Is the Lookout Point Trail marked?

Yes, the trail is marked with posts numbered 4. When grass is high, you might see animal trails too—just stick to the marked path.

Is the Lookout Point Trail in Wind Cave an open hike area?

Yes, Wind Cave is an open hike park, so you’re allowed to hike off the official trails if you want to explore further.

PLAY VIDEO

Lookout Point Trail: Wind Cave Bison Hike

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated May 5, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance: 2.8 miles
Time: 1-2 Hours
Total Climbing: 420 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: Quiet
Dogs: No Dogs
Gear: What I Use
Weather: Latest Report
Park: Wind Cave National Park

Most people visit Wind Cave for the cave, but the hike to Lookout Point is a great way to explore the prairie and spot wild bison. It’s an easy 3-mile out-and-back from the Norbeck Lake Trailhead with creek crossings, rolling hills, and wide-open views. If you’re lucky, you’ll see bison from one of the most genetically pure herds in the country.

Where is the Lookout Point Trail?

wind cave hike location 1 — This hike is located in Wind Cave National Park, just east of the Black Hills on the great plains.

wind cave hike location 2 — The hike starts just 5 minutes away from the Wind Cave Visitor Center.

Use this trailhead address for the hike:
Lookout Point Trailhead, Rt-87, Custer, SD 57730

There's a short stretch of gravel road to the trailhead off Highway 87; you don't need a high-clearance vehicle.

There's no entry fee for Wind Cave National Park or its trails—only for cave tours.

Gear Recommendations

This area is remote and cell coverage is spotty.
The hike is easy and doable in fitness clothes or light hiking gear.
Weather can be extreme—summer brings thunderstorms, and winter can mean snow and freezing temps. Check the forecast and be ready for conditions to change.

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Lookout Point Trail Maps

Wind Cave Trail Marker — The trail is marked with posts numbered 4, and there are plenty along the way.

Animal Trails Wind Cave — When the grass is high, you'll see plenty of animal trails like this. Stick to the path marked with the #4 posts.

Click to activate map

Print Map, Work With It Yourself

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Download the GPX File

Wind Cave Hike Bison

Wind Cave Bison — If you see bison may be on or near the trail—the park says stay at least 25 yards away and give them a wide berth. I stay farther away. You may have to do a big detour around them.

Bison once covered the plains in huge numbers—tens of millions across North America—but by the late 1800s, they were almost gone. Wind Cave played a big role in bringing them back. In 1913, 14 bison from the Bronx Zoo were brought here to start a new herd. Unlike most bison today, these haven't interbred with cattle, which makes spotting one here a pretty special thing.

They may look slow and mellow, but bison can run up to 35 mph and turn on a dime. Stay at least 25 yards away and give them plenty of space. You’ll often see them wallowing or rubbing on signs and trail markers. For the local Lakota people, Wind Cave is a sacred place—they believe it's where the first bison and the first humans came from.

Wind Cave was the first national park created to protect a cave (established in 1903).

Lookout Point Hike Directions

Wind Cave Bison Hike Directions 2 — You'll see this big trail board at the parking area. The trail to Lookout Point is on the right.

Wind Cave Bison Hike Directions 2a — Here’s a top-down view of the trailhead from the parking lot.

Wind Cave Bison Hike Directions 3 — Head down the hill, past the Lookout Point trail sign.

Wind Cave Bison Hike Directions 4 — The trail is easy to follow and there are plenty of markers.

Wind Cave Bison Hike Directions 1 — Hop across Cold Spring Creek.

Wind Cave Bison Hike Directions 5 — And then cross again on the bridge.

Wind Cave Bison Hike Directions 6 — When you get to this split, stay to the right and cross over Cold Spring Creek again.

Wind Cave Bison Hike Directions 7 — Now you'll have to climb for a little bit. It's not too tough.

Wind Cave Bison Hike Directions 8 — At the top, it gets flat and you really feel like you're on the Great Plains.

Wind Cave Bison Hike Directions 9 — After a mile or so you'll approach Lookout Point in the distance. We'll be leaving the trail to climb up the gentle side in front of us.

Wind Cave is an open hike park, meaning you're free to explore off-trail beyond the designated paths.

Wind Cave Bison Hike Directions 10 — Even though there is no official trail, it's easy enough to find animal tracks to the top of Lookout Point.

Wind Cave Bison Hike Directions 11 — Here you are, Lookout Point! From here you'll get panoramic views of the plains around you, and hopefully spot a bison or two.

Once at the top, simply turn around and return the way you came.

Originally published April 14, 2025

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