Drive Wildlife Loop Road, South Dakota

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Wildlife Loop Road (Csp Rd 1) twists and turns 18 miles on its way through the prairie and ponderosa pine-studded hills that harbor many of the park's wildlife species. On most days, guests will come face to face with the number one inhabitant of the park, 1,350 free roaming buffalo. White-tailed deer, mule deer, and elk are most visible early in the morning and late in the afternoon; if you're lucky, you may see big horn sheep, burrowing owls, coyotes, or even a mountain lions. Two of the most colorful characters along the way are the prairie dogs and a band of the park’s feral burros. Estimate time is 1 hour 30 minutes—travel time is dependent on “wildlife jams.” From the intersection of Wildlife Loop Road and SD Highway 87, US Highway 16A is five miles north. The best time to view animals along the Wildlife Loop Road is early morning or late in the evening, just before sunset. The road is open year-round but does require careful driving during winter conditions.

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