Pros & cons
PROS
- Highest viewpoint in the park with sweeping Black Hills vistas
- Short 1-mile loop with interpretive stops and benches
- Historic 1956 fire lookout at the summit
CONS
- Lookout tower is closed to climbing
- No water or restrooms; small gravel parking area
Overview
Rankin Ridge tops out at the highest point in the park, and the historic steel fire lookout marks the summit. It’s a quick payoff hike with big panoramas across the eastern Black Hills—and on crystalline days you can spot the outline of the Badlands and Buffalo Gap National Grassland on the horizon.
The Hike
This is a ~1-mile loop with about 250 feet of gain, typically 30–45 minutes. Most hikers go clockwise: climb the narrower, shaded trail with stone steps, then descend the wider gravel/dirt service road for an easier finish. Benches dot the route, and an interpretive self-guided tour in the NPS app highlights 14 stops along the way. The best vistas come along the ridge just before and around the tower.
The Fire Tower
The Rankin Ridge Fire Lookout is a mid‑century, ~53‑foot steel tower (built in 1956) designed for live‑in lookouts. It’s closed to climbing, but it still makes a characterful summit marker and a great place to pause for views.
Wildlife & Safety
Expect signs of bison (beds, droppings) and occasional sightings; give them a very wide berth. Prairie dogs are often near the road turnoff. This high point is exposed—watch thunderstorms and get off the ridge if lightning threatens. Steps can be slick in wet or winter conditions, and there’s some poison ivy at trail edges—stay centered on the path.
Logistics
A short signed spur off SD‑87 leads to a small gravel lot at the trailhead. There’s no water or restrooms here, and pets and bikes aren’t permitted on the trail. Cell service is spotty to none—download the NPS app guide before you go. The loop is open year‑round; summer is the easiest season.
Best Time to Visit
For cooler temps, softer light, and fewer people, aim for early morning or late afternoon/early evening. Midday—especially late morning into early afternoon—sees more activity. Clear post‑frontal days offer the best long‑range views; avoid the ridge during active thunderstorms.
Where it is
43.6228, -103.4858Tips for Rankin Ridge Fire Tower
- 01Hike clockwise: take the trail up and the old service road down.
- 02Bring water and sun protection—there’s no water and parts are exposed.
- 03Watch summer thunderstorms; leave the ridge at the first sound of thunder.
- 04Stay centered on the path to avoid poison ivy along trail edges.
- 05Download the NPS app’s interpretive guide before you lose cell signal.
Amenities
Near Rankin Ridge Fire Tower
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayRankin Ridge Nature TrailShort loop to a historic fire tower ridge with sweeping prairie viewsEasy · 1 mi · 36 min
0.8 mi awayRankin RidgeShort loop to the park’s highest views and a historic towerTrailhead · Parking
2.3 mi awayCentennial Trail (Wind Cave section)Sunlit prairie miles with bison and big-sky views.Easy · 6 mi · 2.5 hr
2.7 mi awayBeaver Creek BridgeHistoric deck-arch bridge with big views and frequent bison cameosPullout · Scenic Viewpoint
2.9 mi awayLookout PointRolling prairie loop with big views, prairie dogs, and bison.Moderate · 4.8 mi · 2 hr
2.9 mi awayLookout Point TrailPrairie-to-canyon loop with bison, prairie dogs, and a vanishing creekModerate · 4.8 mi · 2 hr
4 mi awayElk Mountain CampgroundQuiet, year-round campground with wildlife and easy cave tour accessCampground · Restroom
4.6 mi awayModel RoomHistoric chamber named for Odd Fellows symbols and lore
