Wind Cave Dog Policy
Wind Cave National Park is Somewhat Dog Friendly
Wind Cave is distinctive for its calcite fin formations called boxwork, a unique formation rarely found elsewhere, and needle-like growths called frostwork. It is one of the longest caves in the world and creates a wind as air pressure changes. Above ground is a mixed-grass prairie with animals such as bison, black-footed ferrets, and prairie dogs and ponderosa pine forests home to cougars and elk. The cave is culturally significant to the Lakota people as a creation site.[1]
Wind Cave National Park is a somewhat dog friendly national park. Dogs are not allowed on most trails, the back country, or in cave tours. However, there are a couple trails where dogs are allowed, and they are allowed in the campground and the open area around the visitor center. Dogs cannot be left unattended.
- Website
- https://www.nps.gov/wica/index.htm
- Pet Policy Details
- https://www.nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/pets.htm
- Area
- 53 mi2
- Annual Visitors
- 448,405
Trail Policy
Dogs are allowed on the following trails while on a leash no longer than 6':
- Prairie Vista Trail (~1 mile loop)
- Elk Mountain Campground Trail (~1 mile loop)
Both trails can be accessed near the visitor center or in the campground.
Dogs are not allowed on any other trails or in the back-country.
Location & Map
Have a photo of your dog here?
Note: Policies can change -- please make sure to check official dog/pet policies prior to making plans or booking travel.
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Credits
[1] Overview text from the Wikipedia article List of national parks of the United States, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
All other text and images, except where noted, copyright ASR Concepts, LLC, all rights reserved.