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Rankin Ridge Trail

Easy/Intermediate
 4.4 (5)
  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 5 votes

#1

in Wind Cave National Park

#8128

Overall
  4.4 from 5 votes
5 Star
60%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Wind Cave National Park

#28

in South Dakota

#8,128

Overall
7 Views Last Month
727 Since Oct 1, 2015
Easy/Intermediate
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40%
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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

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All Clear 12 days ago See History
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

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
May 29, 2021
Arielle Burnett
Beautiful loop! The lookouts are breathtaking! — 0h 30m
Oct 11, 2020
Anne Cowles

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