Homestake Trail

Highland Creek Trail is the longest and one of the most adventurous hikes in Wind Cave National Park, offering an immersive backcountry experience through rolling prairie, wooded drainages, and remote sections of the park. This trail is best completed as a point-to-point hike by parking one vehicle at the Highland Creek Trailhead and another at the Wind Cave Canyon parking area, allowing you to enjoy the full length without turning back.

For hikers not looking to tackle the full 18-mile out-and-back, portions of the Centennial Trail and Sanctuary Trail can be combined to create shorter loop options while still experiencing the diverse landscapes and wildlife Wind Cave National Park is known for. With its length, solitude, and expansive scenery, Highland Creek Trail is ideal for experienced hikers seeking a long-distance trek and a deeper look at the park beyond the more heavily traveled routes.