Lookout Point and Centennial Trail Loop (Wind Cave) Hiking Guide
This loop in Wind Cave National Park crosses open prairie to Lookout Point, drops to Beaver Creek, and comes back on a stretch of the Centennial Trail, the 111-mile route that ends at Bear Butte. It is the park's classic half-day hike above ground, and bison are as likely a sight as anything else. There is no entrance fee to hike here.
Route and Distance
AllTrails maps the loop at 4.8 miles with 469 feet of gain, rated moderate, at two to two and a half hours. The park describes the Lookout Point Trail as 2.2 miles one way from its trailhead on SD Highway 87 north of the visitor center, across rolling prairie to Beaver Creek, and says it can be combined with parts of the Highland Creek and Centennial trails for a 4.5-mile loop. A short side trip climbs to Lookout Point itself. AllTrails' description has the terrain ranging from easy prairie to rocky climbs and descents.
Bison and Other Wildlife
Bison roam the whole park, along with elk and mountain lions. The park requires you to stay at least 25 yards from all wildlife and strongly recommends far more room around bison, which can charge without warning even when they look calm. Since this is an open-hike park, stepping off trail to give animals a wide berth is allowed and sometimes the best choice. From the lookout you can also see the area burned in a 2010 prescribed fire.
Ticks, Poison Ivy and Water
The park advises fully enclosed shoes and long pants because ticks and poison ivy can turn up anywhere. Water sources are few, and anything from Beaver Creek must be boiled, filtered or treated. Shade is limited on the prairie sections, so carry plenty to drink.
Weather Through the Year
The southern hills are warmer and drier than the rest of the range, and the park's averages show it: October highs around 66 degrees with lows near freezing, and November highs around 50. Summer afternoons regularly pass 80 degrees, and strong thunderstorms with large hail are common, especially in June and July. Winter snowfall averages about 30 inches, and the park lists hiking as a year-round activity.
Fees, Dogs and Parking
Wind Cave charges no entrance fee for hiking or driving through the park; only cave tours cost money. Pets are allowed on just two short trails near the visitor center and campground, so dogs cannot come on this loop. Overnight parking at Centennial Trail trailheads is not allowed without a camping permit, so this is strictly a day-hike start unless you are camping.
Hiking tips for Lookout Point and Centennial Trail Loop (Wind Cave)
- Give bison far more than the required 25 yards, and detour off trail if one is on the path.
- Wear long pants and check for ticks when you finish.
- Treat any water from Beaver Creek before drinking it.
- Start early in summer to finish before afternoon thunderstorms.
- Leave the dog at home; this loop is off limits to pets.
Nearby trails to explore
- Black Elk Peak Trail 9 from Sylvan Lake
- Cathedral Spires Trail
- Castle Trail (Badlands)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Lookout Point is a fine prairie walk, and in bison country an extra set of eyes helps. Use TrailMates to find Black Hills hikers heading to Wind Cave. Download the TrailMates app to connect.