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Rankin Ridge Trail

Easy/Intermediate
 4.4 (9)
  1. Areas
  2. SD
  3. …Western S. Dakota
  4. …Custer
  5. Wind Cave National Park
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“Fantastic views of Wind Cave National Park await those who climb Rankin Ridge. ”

Hunter R
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Map Key

1.0

Miles

1.6

KM

Loop

4,980' 1,518 m

High

4,765' 1,452 m

Low

214' 65 m

Up

215' 66 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

28%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Family Friendly Kids will enjoy the views atop Lookout Tower.

Description

Make sure to bring your camera along for the wonderful photo opportunities to be had atop Rankin Ridge.

Starting at the Rankin Ridge Trail Parking Area, head east along the trail, climbing moderately through patchy coniferous forests to the ridge-top. Atop the ridge, climb to the Lookout Tower Overlook for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

After taking in your fantastic surroundings, climb down from the tower and continue along, descending moderate grades back into the forest until reaching the trail's end near the parking area.

Flora & Fauna

For an in-depth look into the natural history, flora, and fauna of this area, check out the Rankin Ridge Nature Guide, also available at the trailhead.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Wind Cave National Park

Shared By:

Hunter R
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 9 votes

#1

in Wind Cave National Park

#7089

Overall
  4.4 from 9 votes
5 Star
56%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Wind Cave National Park

#25

in South Dakota

#7,089

Overall
3 Views Last Month
734 Since Oct 1, 2015
Easy/Intermediate
25%
38%
25%
13%
0%
0%
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Photos

Looking east from Rankin Ridge Trail
Dec 3, 2018 near Pringle, SD
Bison seen near the Rankin Ridge Trailhead
Dec 26, 2018 near Pringle, SD

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Update Conditions
All Clear 47 days ago See History
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 25, 2022
Erin Cafagna
Oct 23, 2022
Stephen Pack
Jun 4, 2022
Kristy Van
granite, some pink. good lookout to east. a little hazy, but Badlands is out there. saw 3 bison in a grassy field. then, further north, a whole her…
Oct 20, 2021
Keri Chipman
Check
Aug 12, 2021
Brett Wolfley
Jul 4, 2021
Marianna Rogers
Loop to a Lookout Tower Overlook. 1mi — 0h 25m
Jun 16, 2021
Private User
Jun 1, 2021
M S

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