Wind Cave National Park

Buffalo Grass Trail

easy FamiliesNature StudyWildlife Watching
0.75 mi Distance
50 ft Elevation Gain
0.5 hours Estimated Time
roundtrip Trail Type

What to Expect

The Buffalo Grass Trail is about as gentle as hiking gets — a short loop through the mixed-grass prairie that blankets the hills above Wind Cave. You'll walk a well-worn path through waist-high grasses that ripple like water when the wind picks up, which out here is most of the time. The trail is flat and open with virtually no elevation change, so your eyes are free to wander across the rolling grassland rather than watching your feet. Interpretive signs along the way identify the native grasses and forbs that once covered the entire Great Plains, including the trail's namesake buffalo grass, a tough little species that barely reaches your ankles. Keep your eyes on the horizon — bison herds, pronghorn, and prairie dogs are regulars in this stretch of the park. This is a perfect leg-stretcher for anyone passing through between cave tours, and a quiet reward for visitors who appreciate the subtle beauty of wide-open country.
FamiliesNature StudyWildlife WatchingQuick DetourPrairie Lovers

Safety Advisory

Bison roam freely through this area and can appear without warning over the low hills — maintain at least 100 yards of distance and never approach or position yourself between a cow and her calf.

There is zero shade on this trail, so on summer afternoons the exposed grassland can feel significantly hotter than the thermometer suggests; sunscreen and a hat are non-negotiable.

Trail Details

Distance 0.75 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain 50 ft
Difficulty easy
Estimated Time 0.5 hours
Trail Type roundtrip
Pets Not allowed
Season Year-round
Trailhead Buffalo Grass Trail

Pro Tips

Trail Tip

Time your walk for early morning or the hour before sunset, when bison often graze close to the trail and the low-angle light turns the prairie gold — midday sun flattens the landscape and bakes the exposed path.

Trail Tip

Pair this trail with a cave tour for a satisfying above-and-below contrast; the visitor center is a short drive away, so you can easily fit both into a half-day visit.

Trail Tip

Bring binoculars rather than expecting close wildlife encounters — the prairie looks empty at first glance, but scanning the ridgelines usually reveals bison, pronghorn, or coyotes moving through the grass.

More Trails in Wind Cave

Explore Wind Cave National Park

1 campgrounds, 35 trails, 489K annual visitors

View Park Guide