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Thursday, October 5, 2017

SD-87 - Wind Cave National Park


Our second scenic drive in Wind Cave National Park was north on South Dakota route 87 from its start at US-385 to the park boundary at the entrance to Custer State Park. There are a couple of one-lane bridges along this route. The first is a concrete arch bridge over Beaver Creek. Continuing north, SD-87 makes a loop as it begins the descent into Reaves Gulch. The second bridge is a timber span across the lower portion of the highway loop. I couldn't find a safe place to take a picture of the second bridge. This is not a route I would recommend for large recreational vehicles or for those towing a boat or trailer. We made the drive on a late afternoon in August 2017.

Black-Tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus)

Wayside exhibit

Late afternoon sun

Concrete arch bridge over Beaver Creek

Another wayside exhibit

One-hundred yard path to a view

SD-87 near Centennial Trail trailhead

Beaver Creek valley and beyond

Prairie and forest

Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)

Another view of the Mule Deer

"Cheese"


Pullout parking area

Wayside exhibit

Pegmatite

Looking west beyond Rankin Ridge Road

Old bison bull (Bison bison)
 
Bison on Rankin Ridge fire tower road

Roadside bison on SD-87

Prairie at sunset

Fiery clouds

Sunset

A pair of Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana)

Closer view

Closer view number two


Entry to Wind Cave National Park is free. Cave tours require a fee of $10 to $30 per adult depending on the tour. Prices are reduced for children and seniors. Tickets for the current day tours are sold at the visitor center on a first come, first served basis.

The park website is https://www.nps.gov/wica.

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