Rankin Ridge Trail is a short one mile loop that leads to the highest point in Wind Cave National Park. It was my favorite short hike of my 2018 Aug/Sept solo road-trip! I hiked the trail as the sun was coming up.
I was a bit behind schedule so I didn’t catch the first part of the sunrise, but I booked it up the trail in order to catch at least part of it. It is one of my favorite trails because of the terrain and the views.

The fire tower is closed to visitors, but the view from the base of it is spectacular.
I was the only one on the trail that early in the morning. It was so peaceful. Sunrise is one of my favorite times of the day.
I highly recommend hiking Rankin Ridge Trail when visiting Wind Cave National Park!