Riding here
Wind Cave has no bike trails, but its roads cross rolling prairie and pine hills with bison herds. US 385 has wide shoulders; SD 87 is narrow and winding; gravel roads NPS 5 and 6 head east and link to Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop. The George S. Mickelson Trail, a 100-plus-mile rail trail through the Black Hills, is a short ride away.
Where you can ride
Bikes and e-bikes may use established roads only: US 385, SD 87, and the gravel NPS 5 and NPS 6. Families can ride around Elk Mountain Campground.
Where you can't
There are no bike trails in the park; no riding on trails or off-road.
Rides
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US Highway 385
- Road
- South entrance to west entrance
- Paved, wide shoulders
- Moderate
The park's easiest road ride, with wide shoulders.
Start: Wind Cave Visitor Center
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NPS 5 and NPS 6
- Gravel
- North entrance to 7-11 Road and Custer State Park
- Gravel
- Moderate
Gravel roads across the park's backcountry, linking to Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop. Steep in places and washed out after storms.
Start: North entrance off SD 87
When to go
Late spring to fall. Heavy snow can close roads in winter; NPS 5 and 6 get no winter maintenance.
Safety
Stay at least 25 yards from all wildlife and farther from bison, which can charge without warning and are most aggressive May to August. SD 87 is narrow with little room: ride it in the morning or shoulder seasons.
E-bikes
E-bikes are welcome on the same roads as regular bikes.
Fees
No entrance fee.
Rentals, tours and shuttles
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Your bike shop hereSample listing
This spot is for one rental shop, guide service or shuttle near Wind Cave: your name, what you offer, and a link straight to your booking page, at the top of this section.
Feature your shop on this page, free until spring 2027
Run a shop near Wind Cave? Add it here.
Sources
Checked November 2026 against these sources. Rules, closures and fees change; confirm with the park before you ride.
Edited by David Bussell. Spot something out of date? Tell us.