Wind Cave National Park
Lookout Point Trail loop

I had run into descriptions of the trails on this hike over the years and never really had the sense that it had all that much to offer.

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When I eventually decided to hike this trail, I was slowed down by bison encounters to the point where I had to turn back or risk an encounter in the dark. Finally this year my son and I made the entire loop, and I was astounded at the beauty that surrounded us as we walked across the high rolling prairie and then descended into the canyon.

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This is a quiet scenic hike with long and interesting views.

Approach

Take US 385 north from Hot Springs South Dakota approximately 12 miles to the junction with South Dakota Hwy 87.

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Take a right onto SD 87 and go north 0.6 miles to the right hand parking lot turnout for the Centennial Trail.

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Coordinates for the hike: 43.5814200,-103.4837800

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Parking / Trailhead amenities

The gravel parking lot has room for a half dozen cars or so. There is an informational kiosk and no other facilities in the parking lot.

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Keep an eye out as you prepare for your hike - bison have been known to wander through.

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Trail observations

Lookout trail leaves the parking area from the right hand side as you face the kiosk. The trail descends to cross a stream, and then climbs the far side to a high meadow. After a long walk, the trail reaches a junction and then descends into the canyon. Follow the canyon back to the trailhead. You will be on Centennial trail for the last couple miles of the hike.

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Every time I've been on this trail I've seen bison. Stay aware of your surroundings, and be prepared to either wait for the bison to move, or to take a detour around the bison. Give yourself a lot of room - don't get too close!

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Trail statistics

The trail is 5.46 miles long. The sum of all the uphill climbs is 290 feet.

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Trail waypoints

0.00 mi	Parking	Parking Lot
0.04 mi	Trailhead	Trailhead
0.87 mi	Prairie Dogs	Prairie Dogs
2.32 mi	Go straight	Continue on #4 trail straight and a bit left to go down into the pines
2.41 mi	Heading in	Heading into a ravine
2.49 mi	Marker	Trails 4 and 7 marker
3.12 mi	Head left	Intersection - head left up the canyon
3.66 mi	Stay left	Branch - stay left and head towards Norbeck Dam
5.46 mi	End of trail	End of trail