Rankin Ridge
Rankin Ridge is a delightful hike! It is one of our favorites because it is so perfect for a day that you are not up to a major hike, yet still desire the hiking experience on a forest trail and a great summit ridge view. The 1.2-mile loop trail begins at a small paved parking lot on a saddle to the south of Rankin Ridge. The 260-foot gain in altitude from the parking lot to the summit will give a mild "burn" yet will not overtax most people’s capabilities. At the summit is an old fire lookout tower that is still used when it is needed. While you are hiking, you might be treated to views of elk or buffalo herds in the valleys below. On rare occasions, the buffalo will be right along the trail itself – of course warranting extra caution. At 5,013 feet of altitude, Rankin Ridge is the highpoint of Wind Cave National Park.
Rankin Ridge is closest to the communities of Hot Springs and Custer. From Hot Springs, travel north 11.5 miles on Highway 385 to Highway 87. Turn there and go 5 miles north to the Rankin Ridge turnoff road. It is another .25 mile to the upper parking lot. From Custer, travel 6.5 miles east on Highway 16, then go south 12.7 miles on Highway 87 to the Rankin Ridge turnoff road and then on to the upper parking lot. A Rankin Ridge map is posted among the photos below.
Rankin Ridge is closest to the communities of Hot Springs and Custer. From Hot Springs, travel north 11.5 miles on Highway 385 to Highway 87. Turn there and go 5 miles north to the Rankin Ridge turnoff road. It is another .25 mile to the upper parking lot. From Custer, travel 6.5 miles east on Highway 16, then go south 12.7 miles on Highway 87 to the Rankin Ridge turnoff road and then on to the upper parking lot. A Rankin Ridge map is posted among the photos below.
Hope says: I love Rankin Ridge…it is so picturesque and it is a real hike. Parts of it feels like you are out in the middle of nowhere, truly a part of creation. This section, going up the trail, picking my way ever so carefully through the weeds attempting to mar the otherwise well-kept path, then, with the support of hiking poles and sturdy boots…and time…always taking time…I manage the rocky section where there are actual steps hewed for the ease of traversing the ridge.
At my age and health…on a good day I love feeling as though I am truly hiking and Rankin Ridge IS a hike, for the able bodied AND the able at heart. If the body is able, this route is the way to go up…coming down is much too tough for my balance. If the body is not willing, as mine is not most days…then the road is the better choice. This will by no means take away your part in connecting with nature, as we encountered a few buffalo who had staked out an area in the middle of the road one day. Thankfully there is a bench at the top of the hill next to the fire tower…and everyone has a cell phone these days. Just be sure to have your own packed supplies of water and food to keep you nourished during the outing...and DO NOT approach buffalo...EVER! Turn back or cut through the field to the parking lot as we did one day. Talk about "getting back to nature! [There was only once in the many, many times we have hiked this trail that there have been buffalo on the trail--much to our grandson's disappointment.]
At my age and health…on a good day I love feeling as though I am truly hiking and Rankin Ridge IS a hike, for the able bodied AND the able at heart. If the body is able, this route is the way to go up…coming down is much too tough for my balance. If the body is not willing, as mine is not most days…then the road is the better choice. This will by no means take away your part in connecting with nature, as we encountered a few buffalo who had staked out an area in the middle of the road one day. Thankfully there is a bench at the top of the hill next to the fire tower…and everyone has a cell phone these days. Just be sure to have your own packed supplies of water and food to keep you nourished during the outing...and DO NOT approach buffalo...EVER! Turn back or cut through the field to the parking lot as we did one day. Talk about "getting back to nature! [There was only once in the many, many times we have hiked this trail that there have been buffalo on the trail--much to our grandson's disappointment.]
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1