Skip to Content

Adventurer’s Guide to Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

Skyblue Overland may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article.

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Established in 1903

Deep inside Wind Cave National Park, a hissing wind travels through one of the world’s longest cave systems before emerging onto the sunny plains of the Black Hills.



Overview

Wind Cave is one of the longest and most intricate caves in the world, with over 150 miles of explored passages. Its most distinctive feature is the boxwork formations, which are rare and delicate honeycomb-like structures of calcite. These formations are among the best examples of boxwork in the world, attracting geologists and tourists alike.

Above ground, the park boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It is home to one of the largest remaining mixed-grass prairies in the United States, which provides habitat for a variety of wildlife. Visitors can see bison, elk, pronghorns, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets, which were reintroduced to the park in an effort to restore their population. Birdwatchers can also enjoy spotting numerous bird species that inhabit the park.

The park offers a range of recreational activities for visitors. Guided cave tours are available, providing a fascinating glimpse into the underground world of Wind Cave. Above ground, there are over 30 miles of hiking trails that wind through the park’s rolling hills, forests, and prairies. The park is also a popular destination for camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.

In addition to its natural beauty, Wind Cave National Park has a rich cultural history. The area is sacred to the Lakota Sioux, who have long considered Wind Cave a significant spiritual site. The park’s visitor center provides educational exhibits about the cave’s geology, the prairie ecosystem, and the cultural history of the area.

Wind Cave National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders and an important sanctuary for wildlife and cultural heritage. Its unique geological formations and diverse ecosystems make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.



Table of Contents:

Article Navigation: Click on any of the listed items in the table of contents below to jump to that section of the article. Similarly, clicking on any large, white section header will jump you back to the Table of Contents.


Getting to Wind Cave National Park

Getting to Wind Cave National Park is straightforward, with several options depending on your starting point. The park is located in the southwestern part of South Dakota, near the town of Hot Springs.

By Car: Most visitors arrive by car, as this provides the most flexibility. Wind Cave National Park is accessible via U.S. Highway 385, which runs north-south through the park. If you’re coming from Rapid City, a major gateway to the park, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive (approximately 60 miles) via U.S. Highway 16 and U.S. Highway 385. From Custer State Park, another popular destination, it’s a 30-minute drive (about 20 miles) south on Highway 87.

By Air: The nearest major airport is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), which is served by several major airlines with flights from across the United States. From the airport, you can rent a car and drive to the park, enjoying the scenic routes through the Black Hills region.

By Public Transportation: Public transportation options are limited. However, some tour companies offer shuttle services and guided tours from Rapid City and nearby attractions like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. Check with local tour operators for schedules and availability.

Tips for the Drive: When driving to Wind Cave National Park, it’s wise to have a full tank of gas and supplies, as services can be sparse in the surrounding rural areas. Also, consider the season and weather conditions, as winter travel may require caution due to snow and ice.

No matter how you choose to get there, the journey to Wind Cave National Park offers beautiful scenery and a chance to experience the diverse landscapes of South Dakota.

Human History

Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota is not only a geological marvel but also a site rich in human history, reflecting the deep connections between people and the land over millennia. The human history of Wind Cave spans from ancient Native American cultures to European settlers, and continues with its status as a cherished national park.

Native American Heritage: The Lakota Sioux and other Native American tribes have a profound spiritual connection to Wind Cave. According to Lakota creation myths, the cave is a sacred place where their ancestors emerged from the earth, making it a site of origin and deep reverence. This spiritual significance is reflected in the Lakota name for the cave, “Tȟuŋkášila Šákpe,” which means “Six Grandfathers.” The cave and the surrounding area have been used for thousands of years for ceremonies, rituals, and as a vital part of their cultural heritage.

Archaeological evidence, including stone tools, pottery shards, and fire rings, indicates that Indigenous peoples have lived, hunted, and traveled through the region for over 10,000 years. These artifacts provide a glimpse into the lives of the early inhabitants and their enduring relationship with the land.

European Exploration and Settlement: European exploration of the Black Hills region began in the early 19th century, with fur trappers and traders being among the first non-Native people to visit the area. The westward expansion of settlers in the mid-to-late 19th century brought increased interest and activity to the region.

The discovery of Wind Cave is attributed to Tom and Jesse Bingham in 1881. The Bingham brothers were reportedly drawn to the cave by the distinctive whistling sound of wind escaping from a small hole in the ground, a phenomenon that gave Wind Cave its name. The discovery sparked interest in the cave’s potential for tourism and exploration.

Early Cave Development: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, exploration and commercialization of Wind Cave intensified. The McDonald family, particularly Alvin McDonald, played a crucial role in mapping and promoting the cave. Alvin McDonald began exploring Wind Cave in 1890, meticulously recording his findings in journals and creating detailed maps of the cave’s complex passages. His efforts attracted tourists and researchers, contributing to the cave’s growing fame.

The McDonald family established a small business, offering guided tours of the cave. However, disputes over land claims and ownership of the cave led to legal battles, which ultimately highlighted the need for federal protection and management of the site.

Establishment of the National Park: The significance of Wind Cave’s unique geological features and its growing popularity as a tourist destination prompted President Theodore Roosevelt to designate it as a national park in 1903. Wind Cave National Park became the seventh national park in the United States and the first to protect a cave. This designation marked a significant milestone in the conservation of natural wonders and set a precedent for the protection of subterranean environments.

Modern Era: Today, Wind Cave National Park continues to honor its diverse human history while preserving its natural and cultural resources. The park’s visitor center features exhibits on Native American heritage, early exploration, and the development of the national park. Guided tours of the cave provide visitors with insights into both the natural and cultural history of the area, allowing them to appreciate the longstanding human connection to this remarkable landscape.

The park also works closely with Native American tribes to ensure that their cultural heritage is respected and preserved. Collaborative efforts include educational programs, cultural demonstrations, and the protection of sacred sites within the park.

Ongoing preservation and research efforts ensure that Wind Cave remains a site of cultural significance and natural beauty for future generations. The park stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between humans and the natural world, reflecting the rich tapestry of history that continues to shape Wind Cave National Park.

Ecology

Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota is renowned not only for its unique underground cave system but also for its diverse and rich ecological landscape. Spanning over 33,847 acres, the park encompasses a variety of habitats, including mixed-grass prairies, ponderosa pine forests, and riparian areas. These ecosystems support a wide array of flora and fauna, making Wind Cave National Park a vital area for biodiversity and conservation.

Mixed-Grass Prairies: One of the defining features of Wind Cave National Park is its extensive mixed-grass prairie, one of the largest remaining tracts in the United States. This prairie ecosystem is characterized by a blend of tallgrass and shortgrass species, which thrive in the park’s varied climate and topography. Dominant grasses include little bluestem, western wheatgrass, and blue grama. These grasses provide critical habitat and food sources for numerous wildlife species.

The mixed-grass prairie is home to a variety of herbivores, including the iconic American bison. Bison were reintroduced to the park in 1913, and their population has since flourished, playing a crucial role in maintaining the prairie ecosystem through their grazing patterns. Other notable herbivores include elk, pronghorn antelope, and mule deer, which all contribute to the dynamic balance of the prairie environment.

Ponderosa Pine Forests: In addition to the prairies, Wind Cave National Park features extensive ponderosa pine forests. These forests are primarily found in the park’s higher elevations and cooler, north-facing slopes. The ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) is the dominant tree species, creating a unique habitat that supports a diverse array of wildlife.

The understory of these forests is rich with shrubs and grasses, providing food and cover for various species. Mammals such as white-tailed deer, coyotes, and mountain lions inhabit these forested areas. Additionally, the ponderosa pine forests offer nesting sites for birds of prey like the red-tailed hawk and the great horned owl.

Riparian Areas: Riparian areas in Wind Cave National Park are found along creeks and streams, providing vital water sources in an otherwise arid environment. These areas are lush with vegetation, including willows, cottonwoods, and various grasses and sedges. Riparian zones are essential for many species, offering habitat and food resources that are not available in other parts of the park.

Amphibians such as the northern leopard frog and reptiles like the garter snake thrive in these moist environments. Birds such as the belted kingfisher and the American dipper can also be found in riparian areas, making use of the abundant water resources.

Wildlife Diversity: Wind Cave National Park supports a remarkable diversity of wildlife. In addition to the large herbivores and predators, the park is home to smaller mammals such as prairie dogs, which are a keystone species. Their burrowing activities aerate the soil and provide habitat for other animals, including burrowing owls and black-footed ferrets. Black-footed ferrets were reintroduced to the park as part of a conservation effort to restore this endangered species.

Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting a variety of species, from grassland birds like the western meadowlark to forest dwellers such as the Pygmy nuthatch. The park’s diverse habitats provide opportunities for both migratory and resident birds.

Plant Life: The plant life in Wind Cave National Park is equally diverse. In addition to the grasses and trees, the park is home to numerous wildflowers and shrubs. Spring and summer bring vibrant displays of flowers such as the prairie coneflower, blanketflower, and purple coneflower. These blooms attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to the ecological health of the park.

Conservation Efforts: Conservation is a central focus of Wind Cave National Park’s management. Efforts include habitat restoration, species reintroduction, and invasive species control. The park works to maintain the natural balance of its ecosystems while providing opportunities for scientific research and public education.

One of the key conservation programs involves the monitoring and management of the bison population to prevent overgrazing and ensure the health of the prairie. Fire management is also crucial, with prescribed burns used to mimic natural fire cycles that maintain the health of the prairie and forest ecosystems.

Wind Cave National Park’s ecological diversity is a testament to the park’s complex and dynamic natural systems. From its mixed-grass prairies and ponderosa pine forests to its riparian areas, the park supports a wide variety of plant and animal life. Ongoing conservation efforts are vital to preserving these ecosystems, ensuring that Wind Cave National Park remains a sanctuary for biodiversity and a place of natural beauty for future generations to explore and enjoy.

Geology

Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota is renowned for its extraordinary geological features, both above and below ground. The park’s geology is a fascinating study in ancient formations, unique cave structures, and ongoing natural processes that continue to shape the landscape. This section delves into the geological history and significance of Wind Cave, providing an in-depth look at its formation, the unique structures within the cave, and the broader geological context of the region.

Geological History: The geological history of Wind Cave National Park begins over 320 million years ago during the Mississippian period. At that time, a shallow inland sea covered the area, depositing layers of limestone and other marine sediments. Over millions of years, these sediments compacted and solidified into limestone, forming the primary rock layer that houses Wind Cave.

Approximately 60 to 40 million years ago, during the Laramide orogeny, a period of mountain building, tectonic forces uplifted the Black Hills region, including the area now known as Wind Cave National Park. This uplift exposed the limestone layers to weathering and erosion. The fractures and joints created by these tectonic forces provided pathways for water to percolate through the rock, setting the stage for the cave’s formation.

Cave Formation: The formation of Wind Cave itself is a result of complex processes involving the dissolution of limestone. The cave is classified as a “solution cave,” which means it was formed by the chemical action of water dissolving the rock. As rainwater and groundwater absorbed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and soil, they formed a weak carbonic acid. This acidic water seeped into the cracks and joints in the limestone, gradually dissolving the rock and enlarging the fractures over time.

One of the unique aspects of Wind Cave’s formation is that it was primarily a phreatic cave, meaning it formed entirely below the water table where the rock was completely saturated with water. This environment led to the development of the cave’s intricate and maze-like network of passages, as water dissolved the rock in all directions.

Unique Cave Structures: Wind Cave is famous for its rare and intricate boxwork formations. Boxwork is a honeycomb-like structure made of thin blades of calcite that protrude from the cave walls and ceilings. These formations are believed to have formed when calcite-filled fractures in the limestone were more resistant to dissolution than the surrounding rock. As the limestone dissolved away, the calcite veins were left behind, creating the characteristic boxwork patterns.

In addition to boxwork, Wind Cave also features other speleothems, such as frostwork and popcorn. Frostwork consists of delicate, needle-like crystals of calcite or aragonite that resemble ice crystals, while popcorn formations are small, knobby clusters of calcite that form on cave walls and ceilings.

Above-Ground Geology: The geological features of Wind Cave National Park are not confined to the subterranean realm. Above ground, the park is situated in the southern Black Hills, a region characterized by rugged terrain, rolling hills, and exposed rock outcrops. The surface geology includes not only the Mississippian limestone that forms the cave but also older Precambrian rocks, such as granite and schist, which are exposed in various parts of the park.

The park’s landscape is shaped by the interaction of these rock types with weathering and erosion processes. For example, the resistant granite and schist form prominent ridges and hills, while the more easily eroded limestone creates valleys and depressions. This diverse geology contributes to the park’s rich variety of habitats and ecosystems.

Broader Geological Context: Wind Cave National Park is part of the Black Hills, a small, isolated mountain range that rises from the Great Plains of western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming. The Black Hills are geologically significant as they represent an uplifted dome of ancient rock, surrounded by younger sedimentary layers. This geological diversity is evident in the park’s varied rock formations and landscapes.

The uplift of the Black Hills and the associated erosion have exposed a cross-section of Earth’s history, from the Precambrian to the present. This makes the region a valuable area for geological study and provides insight into the processes that have shaped the North American continent over hundreds of millions of years.

Ongoing Geological Processes: Geological processes continue to shape Wind Cave and its surroundings. Water remains a critical factor in the ongoing development of the cave, as it continues to dissolve and redeposit minerals within the cave system. Above ground, weathering and erosion constantly modify the landscape, affecting soil formation, vegetation patterns, and habitat distribution.

The park’s management works to protect both the cave and the surface geology, ensuring that these natural processes can continue with minimal human impact. Research and monitoring programs help to track changes in the cave environment and the broader landscape, contributing to our understanding of these dynamic geological systems.

Wind Cave National Park’s geology is a remarkable testament to the power of natural processes over immense spans of time. From the ancient seas that laid down the limestone beds to the tectonic forces that uplifted the Black Hills, and the ongoing dissolution and formation of cave structures, the park is a living laboratory of geological phenomena. The unique features of Wind Cave, including its extensive boxwork formations, make it a site of both scientific interest and natural beauty, preserving a rich geological heritage for future generations to explore and appreciate.

Best Places to Stay

When planning a visit to Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota, choosing the right place to stay can enhance your experience. While the park itself does not have lodges or hotels within its boundaries, there are several excellent options in the surrounding areas, ranging from camping within the park to comfortable accommodations in nearby towns.

Camping in Wind Cave National Park

Elk Mountain Campground: The only campground within Wind Cave National Park is Elk Mountain Campground. This serene, rustic campground offers a true natural experience, surrounded by ponderosa pine forests and meadows. It has 62 sites suitable for tents and RVs, although there are no hookups. Amenities include potable water, restrooms, picnic tables, and fire grates. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, making it an ideal choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Accommodations in Nearby Hot Springs

Red Rock River Resort: Located in Hot Springs, just a short drive from the park, Red Rock River Resort offers a charming and historic stay. The resort features well-appointed rooms, a spa, and an on-site restaurant. It’s an excellent choice for visitors looking for a bit of luxury and relaxation after a day of exploring the park.

Stay USA Hotel and Suites: Another great option in Hot Springs is Stay USA Hotel and Suites. This hotel offers modern amenities, including an indoor pool, hot tub, and complimentary breakfast. The comfortable rooms and convenient location make it a popular choice for families and travelers seeking a balance of comfort and affordability.

Accommodations in Custer

The Bavarian Inn, Black Hills: Located in Custer, about 20 miles north of Wind Cave National Park, The Bavarian Inn offers a unique and cozy stay with a touch of European charm. The inn features comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving German-inspired cuisine. Its close proximity to both Wind Cave and Custer State Park makes it a convenient base for exploring the region.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Custer: For a reliable and comfortable stay, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Custer is a great option. The hotel offers modern amenities, including a fitness center, indoor pool, and complimentary breakfast. Its central location in Custer provides easy access to nearby attractions and dining options.

Unique Stays and Cabins

High Plains Homestead: For a truly unique experience, consider staying at High Plains Homestead, located near Crawford, Nebraska, about an hour’s drive from Wind Cave National Park. This authentic western homestead offers rustic cabins and a historic atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice for visitors looking to experience the old West and enjoy the tranquility of the prairie.

Sylvan Lake Lodge: Situated within Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake Lodge offers a picturesque setting with stunning views of Sylvan Lake. The lodge features a variety of accommodations, from cozy cabins to lodge rooms, and an on-site restaurant. Its location provides easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Bed and Breakfast Options

Rock Crest Lodge & Cabins: In Custer, Rock Crest Lodge & Cabins offers a charming bed and breakfast experience. The property features a range of accommodations, including cabins and lodge rooms, with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast and relax in the beautiful surroundings.

Sweetgrass Inn Bed & Breakfast: Located near Rapid City, about an hour from the park, Sweetgrass Inn Bed & Breakfast offers a peaceful retreat with comfortable rooms and personalized service. The inn provides a hearty breakfast each morning and is a great option for visitors looking to explore both Wind Cave National Park and the broader Black Hills region.

Whether you prefer camping under the stars, staying in a cozy bed and breakfast, or enjoying the amenities of a modern hotel, there are plenty of great places to stay near Wind Cave National Park. Each option offers its own unique charm and conveniences, ensuring that your visit to this remarkable national park is both comfortable and memorable.

Enjoying The Park

Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota is a treasure trove of natural wonders and offers numerous adventures for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. From exploring its vast underground cave system to hiking through picturesque prairies and forests, the park provides a diverse range of activities that cater to various interests and skill levels. Here are some of the best adventures you can experience in Wind Cave National Park.

Exploring Wind Cave

Cave Tours

The primary attraction at Wind Cave National Park is the Wind Cave itself, one of the longest and most complex cave systems in the world. The park offers several guided tours, each providing a unique perspective of the cave’s stunning geological features.

  • Garden of Eden Tour: This tour is perfect for beginners and families. It lasts about an hour and takes visitors through rooms filled with intricate boxwork, frostwork, and popcorn formations. The tour involves a moderate amount of walking and climbing stairs.
  • Natural Entrance Tour: One of the most popular tours, it begins at the cave’s natural entrance and lasts around 1.5 hours. It covers more challenging terrain, with many stairs and narrow passages, allowing visitors to see a variety of cave formations and learn about the cave’s history and geology.
  • Fairgrounds Tour: This tour is more strenuous and recommended for those in good physical condition. It lasts approximately 1.5 hours and features a variety of speleothems, including some of the cave’s largest rooms and passageways.
  • Candlelight Tour: For an authentic caving experience, the Candlelight Tour allows visitors to explore the cave with only candle lanterns, as early explorers did. This tour is more strenuous and is suitable for adventurous visitors looking for a unique way to experience the cave.
  • Wild Cave Tour: For the truly adventurous, the Wild Cave Tour offers a four-hour journey into the less-developed areas of the cave. Participants must crawl, climb, and squeeze through narrow passages, making it a challenging but rewarding experience. This tour requires advance reservations and is limited to small groups.
Hiking Trails

Above ground, Wind Cave National Park offers over 30 miles of hiking trails that traverse its diverse landscapes, from rolling prairies to pine forests.

  • Rankin Ridge Trail: A 1-mile loop trail that offers stunning panoramic views of the Black Hills from the highest point in the park. The trail is moderate in difficulty and includes an interpretive guide to the area’s natural and cultural history.
  • Lookout Point Trail: This 5.2-mile loop trail provides a moderate hike through mixed-grass prairies and pine forests. It’s an excellent trail for wildlife viewing, with chances to see bison, elk, and pronghorns.
  • Wind Cave Canyon Trail: A 3.8-mile out-and-back trail that follows an old dirt road through Wind Cave Canyon. The trail is easy and suitable for all ages, offering opportunities to spot birds, wildflowers, and the park’s distinctive geological features.
  • Cold Brook Canyon Trail: A moderate 1.4-mile trail that takes hikers through a scenic canyon with lush vegetation and towering rock walls. This trail is less traveled and offers a more secluded experience.
Wildlife Viewing

Wind Cave National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, making it an excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park’s mixed-grass prairies and ponderosa pine forests provide habitat for a variety of species.

  • Bison: The park is known for its thriving bison population. These majestic animals can often be seen grazing in the prairies. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for bison sightings.
  • Prairie Dogs: The park’s numerous prairie dog towns are a delight to observe. These social animals are active during the day and can be seen popping in and out of their burrows.
  • Birdwatching: The park is home to over 200 species of birds, including raptors like the red-tailed hawk and golden eagle, as well as songbirds and waterfowl. The best birdwatching spots include riparian areas and the mixed-grass prairie.
  • Black-Footed Ferrets: Wind Cave National Park is one of the few places where black-footed ferrets, a highly endangered species, have been reintroduced. Spotting these elusive creatures is rare, but it adds an exciting element to wildlife viewing.
Ranger-Led Programs

The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs that provide educational and engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

  • Evening Programs: These programs, held at the Elk Mountain Campground amphitheater, cover a range of topics from the park’s wildlife and geology to its cultural history. They are a great way to learn more about the park in a relaxed setting.
  • Nature Walks: Ranger-led nature walks offer an in-depth look at the park’s flora and fauna. These walks are typically easy and suitable for all ages, providing an opportunity to learn about the park’s ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.
  • Junior Ranger Program: This program is designed for children and offers a fun way to explore the park. By completing a series of activities, kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge and learn about the importance of conservation.
Scenic Drives

For those who prefer to explore the park by car, several scenic drives offer stunning views and access to various points of interest.

  • Needles Highway: This scenic drive, part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, takes visitors through granite spires, narrow tunnels, and along twisting roads. It’s a must-see for its dramatic landscapes and unique rock formations.
  • Wildlife Loop Road: Located in nearby Custer State Park, this 18-mile loop offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the region. Visitors can often see bison, pronghorns, deer, and elk, as well as prairie dogs and a variety of birds.
Horseback Riding

Exploring the park on horseback is a fantastic way to experience its natural beauty. Several trails are designated for horseback riding, providing access to more remote areas of the park.

  • Wind Cave Canyon: This trail is popular for horseback riding, offering a scenic ride through a beautiful canyon with lush vegetation and rock formations.
  • Beaver Creek Trail: This trail provides a more challenging ride through diverse landscapes, including prairies and forests. It’s a great option for experienced riders looking for an adventurous outing.

Backpacking and Camping

For those seeking a deeper immersion into nature, backpacking and camping are excellent options. While Elk Mountain Campground offers a more developed camping experience, backcountry camping allows for solitude and exploration of the park’s remote areas.

  • Backcountry Camping: The park offers opportunities for backcountry camping, though it requires a free permit from the visitor center. This option is perfect for those looking to experience the park’s wilderness and night skies without the crowds.
  • Stargazing: Wind Cave National Park, with its remote location and low light pollution, is an excellent spot for stargazing. The night sky is filled with stars, and on clear nights, you can see the Milky Way stretching across the horizon.

Conclusion

Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota is a gem of natural beauty and geological wonder. Its intricate cave system, adorned with rare formations like boxwork and frostwork, offers a glimpse into a fascinating subterranean world. Above ground, the park’s diverse ecosystems, from mixed-grass prairies to ponderosa pine forests, provide habitat for a variety of wildlife and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re exploring the depths of Wind Cave, hiking scenic trails, or watching bison graze in the prairies, the park offers a unique and enriching experience. With its rich history, both geological and cultural, and a commitment to conservation, Wind Cave National Park is a destination that inspires awe and appreciation for the natural world.

The park offers a wealth of adventures for visitors, from exploring its intricate cave system to hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. Whether you’re looking for a challenging caving experience, a scenic hike, or a peaceful night under the stars, the park provides a variety of activities that cater to all interests and skill levels. Each adventure offers a unique way to connect with the natural beauty and rich history of this remarkable national park, ensuring a memorable and enriching visit.


Enroll With Global Rescue Prior To Embarking On Your Next Adventure.

When a travel emergency arises, traditional travel insurance may not come to your aid, and a medical evacuation can cost up to $300,000.

The cost when you have a Global Rescue membership? $0. That’s why when the unexpected happens, you want the leader in rescue, evacuation and medical advisory behind you. You want Global Rescue.


Popular Articles:

Adventurer’s Guide to Sequoia National Park, California

The 10 Best National Parks in the USA

Adventurer’s Guide to Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Adventurer’s Guide To Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, Colorado


Terms of Use: As with each guide published on SKYBLUEOVERLAND.com, should you choose to this route, do so at your own risk. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. While taking a trail, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and of course, follow the #leavenotrace guidelines. The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by the specified contributor and/or contributors, the accuracy of such and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. SKYBLUE OVERLAND LLC, its partners, associates, and contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individuals following this route.