Pet Friendly Hikes

Wind Cave offers two pet friendly trails.

NPS Photo

Wind Cave has two trails in the park that are pet friendly. The Prairie Vista Trail and Elk Mountain Campground Trail provide visitors with the opportunity to hike and enjoy the park's diverse prairie and forest ecosystems with their pets in a safe environment. Both are one mile loops that are accessible from the visitor center or campground. Pets are also allowed in the campground. Learn more about bringing pets to Wind Cave National Park. 

All pets must be on a leash at all times and visitors must clean up after their pets.

Poison ivy, rattlesnakes, or ticks may be encountered on these trails.

Details

Duration

30-60 Minutes

Activity

Front-Country Hiking

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

All pets must be on a leash at all times.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Prairie Vista Trail, Elk Mountain Campground Trail

Pets are not allowed on any other trail or in the backcountry.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

Both the Elk Mountain Campground Trail and Prairie Vista Trail are narrow one mile loop trails with occasional steep grades. Both are considered easy to moderate trails and are not wheelchair accessible.

Elk Mountain Campground Trail

1 mile / 1.6 km (round trip)
The grassland and forest meet on this trail around the campground. During September and October, elk may be heard bugling at dawn and dusk.
Trailhead: Located in the Elk Mountain Campground, across from the amphitheater.

Prairie Vista Trail

Approximately 1 mile / 1.6 km (round trip)
Stroll the prairie grasslands from the visitor center. Waysides provide information along the way.
Trailhead: Begin this loop trail at the Visitor Center or at the picnic area, located 1000 feet north of the visitor center.