About
Length8.6 mi
ShapePoint-to-Point
DifficultyHard
Elevation gain800 ft up
Typical time4 hr 30 min
TrailheadHighland Creek, northern park
SurfacePrairie, creek bottom and ponderosa forest
Best seasonThe cave is 54F year round. Surface trails are best May to October; prairie wildflowers peak in June and the bison rut is in August.
DogsNot allowed
What you'll see 🌊 River or creek🌼 Wildflowers🦌 Wildlife🎒 Backpacking

Highland Creek is a moderately strenuous, 8.6 mile (13.8 km) one-way, trail. The trail can be reached by a 1-mile hike down the Wind Cave Canyon trail or from its northern trailhead on NPS 5. This trail is the longest and most diverse in the park, crossing mixed-grass prairies, ponderosa pine forests, and riparian habitats of Highland Creek, Beaver Creek, and Wind Cave Canyon. Hiking Safety Hiking off trail is permitted. Watch out for wildlife. Bison and other wildlife are dangerous and unpredictable. Do not approach. Carry and drink plenty of water. There is no drinking water on this trail. Check the weather forecast before you hike. Bring extra layers.

Tips
Backcountry camping is allowed in the north-west corner with a free permit. Elk are common in the ponderosa sections at dusk.
Location

Highland Creek, northern park

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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Trail data: USGS National Map / PAD-US, the National Park Service, state agencies, and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Access and conditions change — check with the managing agency before you go.