Wind Cave National Park: Prairie Vista Trail

Wind Cave National Park Prairie Vista Trail

Wind Cave National Park has one of the most amazing cave systems in the country. While that is the biggest draw of the park, there is definitely more to do on your visit. The tours of the caves are on a schedule and if you get there a little early, one of the best quick hikes is the Prairie Vista Trail. It begins at the picnic area so it is a great activity to do before or after a picnic while waiting for your cave time to begin.

The Hike

The Prairie Vista Trail starts and finishes at the picnic area and I took it clockwise so began the trail at the edge of the parking loop. The first part from here is the hardest as you have to traverse a small hill to make it up to the topside of the trail. There are short ascents of 12-14% grades but it is really short to get on top of the hill.

Once on top of the hill, the hike becomes really simple and enjoyable. It is a small loop that stretches around the open prairie and above a lot of the cave system that gives this park its name. The views across the wild grasses seem endless, only blocked by the distant tree or hilltop. The hike really felt like I was walking among untouched land.

The trail continues with a series of info graphics before heading back down another relatively steep hill that circles back to the backside of where the old hotel was. There is also a rock commemorating Alvin McDonald, who was one of the earliest explorers and guides of the Wind Cave. The trail then loops under some trees and heads back to the picnic area. It is a short trail, under a mile, but a great way to see the area and pass some time before exploring the caves.

The Views

Living out west, I never get bored of the sprawling untouched land. There are so many area’s where you can look forever and see nothing but land looking back. That is something I loved about the Prairie Vista Trail. From the top section, you can just look out and see the land as it has been seen for hundreds of years.

Rolling meadows, hills, trees and even an animal or two can be spotted from this spot. I saw bison, groundhogs and coyotes nearby the trail and am sure that they can be spotted from here time to time. It was just relaxing. Like looking at a series of landscape paintings depicting the old west.

The Education

Another way to enhance the experience of this Prairie Vista Trail at Wind Cave National Park is with the infographics that are spread throughout the trail. There are graphics that talk about the history of the Wind Cave and the how the cave extends under the ground that you are walking on. There is also information about the very complex ecosystem that this prairie has. From above ground to below the ground, there is a world that is living both seen and unseen.

These graphics are great for the kids but lets be honest, the adults are the ones that read them just as much!

Video of the Wind Cave National Park Prairie Vista Trail

I have put this time-lapse video together of the Wind Cave National Park Prairie Vista hike so other hikers can get a feel of what the hike is like. If you enjoy this video make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel. It is free to subscribe and you will get the latest outdoor content.

Distance and Elevation

If you don’t have the AllTrails app you might want to check it out, I really love mine. It records your progress and is a great way to search for hikes that are nearby and gives you difficulty measurements. According to AllTrails today’s hike was around 0.82 miles and had a total elevation gain of about 89 feet including undulations. That put the high point at around 4190 feet. I was also moving for a total 22 minutes.

I am a Pro member of AllTrails and love it. If you are interested in the platform, please consider using my affiliate link for AllTrails. It gives me a small commission with no extra cost to you.

Effort

Once you make it to the top of the hill, this is a very easy hike around the flat prairie. However, the hike up and down to the parking lot does have a little bit of a challenge. While I am still calling this an Easy hike, keep in mind there is a 12-14% grade for a very short period of time.

Terrain

The terrain is mostly narrow dirt path through the tall grasses. The Prairie Vista Trail is completely exposed when you get to the top section so it is very important that you have coverage for wind, sun and heat. The inclines and declines can be a little steep and a little slick due to the steep yet short sections.

Finding the Prairie Vista Trail at Wind Cave National Park

The Prairie Vista Trail is located just about a quarter mile down the road from visitor center at Wind Cave National Park. It starts and stops at the picnic area where there is parking at the different tables. There is also a pit toilet near the trailhead. This is part of the Wind Cave National Park. Unlike most National Parks, Wind Cave does not require a park pass to drive through or hike in the park. There is a fee to tour the caves though.

Wrapping up the Wind Cave Prairie Vista Trail hike

I know that most people aren’t coming to Wind Cave National Park to hike the Prairie Vista Trail. The draw will always be the cave, but if you have some time to kill before your cave tour, the Prairie is a wonderful way to spend it. The trail is relaxing, educational and gives you some huge views to counter the narrow caves. Definitely a wonderful way to spend some extra time at Wind Cave National Park.

I have added this hike and all of my hikes to the interactive map page you can find here. If you have any suggestions for hikes or comments feel free to email me at fatmanlittletrails@gmail.com or you can follow me on any of the below social media platforms. Happy Hiking!

Gallery of the Wind Cave Prairie Vista Trail