Hike Mexican Canyon

Cascade Falls is 10 miles south of Hot Springs on highway 71, it is easy to access, and is a great spot for a picnic or to cool off in the cool waters on hot days! There are several picnic tables, vault toilets and a large parking area, and just a short walk down to the falls. The pool at the base of the falls is beautiful blue water and has several other sections of the creek that pool up too....

Above the famous Wind Cave, miles of natural mixed-grass natural prairie cover the Black Hills. In summer, the lush grasses attract the park's free-roaming bison herd as well as elk, pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets.One of the best spots for capturing sunset over the prairie is from Gobbler Pass, on the SE side of the park. You can park at the pass and walk along the r...

North Overlook Trail is a quick 0.6 mile loop hike at Scotts Bluff National Monument near Gering, Nebraska. The loop is paved, making it good for the whole family, but make sure to keep an eye on the kiddos due to drop-offs and some crumbly footing. There are also spots to grab a seat on the benches and to read up on the history and geology of this prairie location. Leashed pets are allowed on ...

Established in 1903, Wind Cave National Park is home to over 140 miles of mapped cave passages. The cave features 95% of the world's known boxwork calcite formations and got its name from the sound of rushing wind created at its few small openings.A guided tour is the only way to see the cave system unless you are in the park's limited volunteer cave exploring group. Depending on the time of y...

Take some time to visit the visitor center and walk around the grounds. You can take a good look at the ruts of the Oregon Trail. You can take several small hikes (be sure to bring your camera) to get to the top of the Bluff, which provide very good views of the North Plate River plain. You can also take a quick side trip to the Chimney.National Park Service provides a helpful map of the area o...

Elk Mountain Campground is in a secluded area of the park, providing plenty of peace and quiet. Sites operate on a first come, first serve basis, although the campground was less than half full when we stayed in the middle of busy summer months. There are about 64 sites available in the campground. Sites are available both in the open prairie or in the hills along the treeline. Each site is equ...