Wind Cave is a place that I have been to a few times and this trip I didn’t even go into the cave. Maybe I should have going in the cave in the afternoon as it was in the mid to high 90’s and the cave is 55 degrees. I would suggest you take a cave tour and you can book your tour up to two weeks out and then it is first come first serve. Getting the FCFS tickets you have to wait in line at the Visitor Center, it opens at 0800, with the line starting at about 0700. The Civilian Conservation Corps, CCC, did most of the work here at the park. They build the visitor center, most of the housing for park employees, and all of the over 7,000 steps that are within the cave. The steps are poured concrete which was carried into the cave across the next of a CCC member. A truck tire tube was cut in 1/2 and one end closed permanently while the other closed only when the tube was filled with concrete. It took three tubs to create one step! The CCC also created the elevator shaft. The members of the CCC also went to school to learn trades but more importantly the read and write. It is said that the camp here at Wind Cave, NP-1, had a 100% literacy rate but 1/2 of the people here had an eight grade level of reading comprehension.
Wind Cave Canyon Trail – The trail number is 2 so the markers along the trail will say 2. There is a small parking area for this trail off of 385 opposite the fire station for the park. From the trail head/parking area to the boundary of the park is 1.8 miles. The trail takes you to the boundary but you do go through a canyon. While in the canyon look for cliff swallows, or even turkeys. The trail is a road that is used by the park service, although infrequently so it is not hard to stay on the trail. You will know that you have reached the end of the trail/park as you will come upon a fence so that marks the turnaround point. There are two trails intersections on this trail one that is East Bison Flats, number 3, or Highland Creek, number 7.
Cold Brook Canyon Trail – The trail number for this trail is 1 and the markers will so a number 1 on the trail. The trail starts on the road, 385, and there is limited parking. The trail heads down from virtually the start but once you are in the canyon it is flat. You do travel through a Prairie Dog village so you will hear all the chirping from the little fellas. The canyon trail ends at the park boundary and it is a fence so a good indication to turn around and head back. Distance o the trail is 1.4 mils and it has about 150 feet of elevation gain. It is worth the time to go into the canyon and just admire all Mother Nature has to offer.
