Photo Sphere Stations

dead tree in pine forest

NPS Photo

Rankin Ridge Trail
This trail goes up to highest point in the park. Great views abound on this family-friendly walk as illustrated by these photo sphere stations. For educators, these stations act as a good introduction to the surface area of the park. They can be used as a stand alone or a pre-visit lesson.
Station #1 The Forest
Station #2 The Snag
Station #3 The Cliff
Station #4 The Lookout
Station #5 The View
Station #6 The Prairie
 
limestone cliff near seasonal stream

NPS Photo

Centennial Trail
This section of trail marks the beginning of the 111-mile journey. The first few miles follows Beaver Creek. These photo spheres go all the way to the Beaver Creek sink which is where a significant amount of Beaver Creek's flow disappears into the ground. The educational theme to these photo spheres is hydrology and water.
Station #1 The Flower Patch
Station #2 The Ledge
Station #3 The Enclosure
Station #4 The Confluence
Station #5 The Valley
Station #6 The Shady Path
Station #7 The Sink
 
limestone cliffs around gravel road

NPS Photo

Wind Cave Canyon Trail
This old road follow Wind Cave Canyon out to the park boundary. Filled with a variety of habitats, this trail is a great place to go bird watching. The photo sphere collection follows about half of the trail. For educators, these photo spheres are a great tool to talk about fire as a fire burnt to the south side of the road but not the north.
Station #1 The Descent
Station #2 The Slope
Station #3 The Crossing
Station #4 The Lichen
Station #5 The Crispy Trees
 
Limestone Cave near watering hole

NPS Photo

Cold Brook Canyon Trail
The beautiful trail winds its way across gorgeous habitats and striking vistas. You will cross a small prairie dog town that provides a great opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife. These photo spheres provide educators with stations to talk about the varied habitat and wildlife to be found in this area.
Station #1 The Old Road
Station #2 The Streambed
Station #3 The Dog Town
Station #4 The Burrow
Station #6 The Bluff
 
red shale cliffs

NPS Photo

East Bison Flats Trail
Starting from the park's south entrance, this trail follows the park boundary to amazing views of Buffalo Gap. Along the way, you will gaze upon the bright, red Minnelusa Formation. You can continue on this trail all the way to Wind Cave Canyon or feel free to go off on your own to explore the numerous valleys and canyons along the way. Just remember to bring enough water and supplies!
Station #1 The Hilltop
Station #2 The Red Valley
Station #3 The Switchbacks

Last updated: May 1, 2018

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26611 US Highway 385
Hot Springs, SD 57747

Phone:

605 745-4600

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