Highland Creek Trail

Overview

Highland Creek is the park’s longest and most diverse surface trail—big-sky prairie, shady ponderosa, and three creek corridors in one hike. Officially it runs 8.6 miles one way, and the park considers it strenuous. A popular way to experience it is as a roughly 13.3‑mile loop by linking with a stretch of the Centennial Trail; that loop typically takes a little over 5 hours for strong hikers.

Route Options & Access

You can hike Highland Creek point‑to‑point (8.6 miles), starting at either end: the southern approach begins with a 1‑mile warm‑up along Wind Cave Canyon Trail from US‑385 before turning onto Highland Creek, while the northern trailhead sits on gravel backcountry road NPS 5. For a one‑way trip, stage a car shuttle between the Wind Cave Canyon parking area and the NPS 5 trailhead. If you want the fuller sampler without shuttling, link Highland Creek with the Centennial Trail for a 13.3‑mile loop. Looking for something shorter? There’s also a park‑noted 4.5‑mile loop using Lookout Point with parts of Highland Creek and Centennial.

Scenery & What You’ll See

Expect rolling mixed‑grass prairie that melts into ponderosa pine stands and riparian ribbons along Highland Creek, Beaver Creek, and Wind Cave Canyon. If you use the southern approach, you’ll walk beneath limestone cliffs where cliff swallows and canyon wrens nest. Wildlife is a major draw here—bison are commonly seen, plus prairie dogs, deer, and antelope—with long stretches of true solitude.

Trail Experience

Underfoot it’s natural tread (dirt/grass) with some short, steeper ups and downs and occasional overgrown sections. Wayfinding uses wooden posts, but a few are down in places; a good map/app makes the day smoother. This route feels remote and is rarely crowded compared to most national park hikes.

Best Time to Hike

April through October is the sweet spot. Summer brings heat and fast‑building thunderstorms (large hail isn’t unusual), so start early, watch the sky, and carry layers. Shoulder seasons offer milder temps. In winter, the backcountry roads (NPS 5/6) receive no maintenance and may be impassable after storms.

Know Before You Go

• Water is scarce: carry plenty and treat anything you collect. Beaver Creek may not be ideally placed for mid‑hike refills.
• Give bison a very wide berth; off‑trail walking is allowed if you need to detour around wildlife. Be alert for mountain lions and watch for rattlesnakes.
• Long pants and enclosed footwear help with ticks and poison ivy; bring sun protection and bug spray.
• Signage can be sparse; download offline maps and carry a park map as backup.
• No fuel is sold in the park; top off before heading to the NPS 5 trailhead. Parking areas are small.
• Planning to camp in the backcountry? A free permit from the visitor center is required.

If you want one hike that showcases the park’s surface scenery—prairie, pines, canyons, and creeks—this is it. Come prepared, and you’ll likely have a wild, quiet day.