Fossil Ridge
Fossil Ridge is located in Wind Cave National Park, along the western boundary, at the end of the 1.4-mile Cold Brook Canyon Trail. Situated about 240 feet above the canyon floor on the southern edge, the summit provides great views to the south and west. Battle Mountain, to the southeast, is the easiest summit to identify from Fossil Ridge. There are no trails up to the summit from the Cold Brook Canyon Trail, so hikers will have to create their own off-trail route up the mostly open southeastern slopes. It is a fairly easy scramble up from the Cold Brook Canyon Trail, taking probably no more than 10 minutes. (unless you are taking lots of photos).
Small caves are numerous along the canyon, in the high limestone walls, and at the base of the walls. As is the case throughout much of the national park, fossils are found here. Please remember it is illegal to remove these. Fossil Ridge Cave, located nearby, was mapped in 2000. It is relatively small, with a 30-foot passageway that enters into a domed room. Black Ice Cave (one of several caves bearing that name in the Black Hills) is located along Cold Brook, just west of the park boundary fence at the southwest corner of Fossil Ridge. According to park employees, Black Ice Cave is rather unique, in that at least one of its branches actually descends down to an aquifer below. It is unknown yet, if any of the cave branches intersect with any Wind Cave passages.
Cold Brook is an intermittent stream, with small springs located at some of the bends. It is rare to have to wade when making any of the trail crossings over the brook. However, it can happen when rainy weather re-energizes springs – as was the case in 2015. Considering the drainage area of the canyon (which includes the Antelope Canyon branch just upstream), hiking here right after a major downpour could put one at risk for a flash flood.
The Cold Brook Canyon Trailhead is 8.7 miles north of Hot Springs, along Highway 385 in Wind Cave National Park. The trailhead is 1.8 miles north of the park entrance. The trail winds down through some trees to the floor of Cold Brook Canyon, and mostly follows the canyon floor to Fossil Ridge. This is an easy hike, but be on the lookout for bison in the area. Watching for rattlesnakes is also important. To access an online map of the Cold Brook Canyon Trail, click on the link below:
Wind Cave National Park Trails Guide
Small caves are numerous along the canyon, in the high limestone walls, and at the base of the walls. As is the case throughout much of the national park, fossils are found here. Please remember it is illegal to remove these. Fossil Ridge Cave, located nearby, was mapped in 2000. It is relatively small, with a 30-foot passageway that enters into a domed room. Black Ice Cave (one of several caves bearing that name in the Black Hills) is located along Cold Brook, just west of the park boundary fence at the southwest corner of Fossil Ridge. According to park employees, Black Ice Cave is rather unique, in that at least one of its branches actually descends down to an aquifer below. It is unknown yet, if any of the cave branches intersect with any Wind Cave passages.
Cold Brook is an intermittent stream, with small springs located at some of the bends. It is rare to have to wade when making any of the trail crossings over the brook. However, it can happen when rainy weather re-energizes springs – as was the case in 2015. Considering the drainage area of the canyon (which includes the Antelope Canyon branch just upstream), hiking here right after a major downpour could put one at risk for a flash flood.
The Cold Brook Canyon Trailhead is 8.7 miles north of Hot Springs, along Highway 385 in Wind Cave National Park. The trailhead is 1.8 miles north of the park entrance. The trail winds down through some trees to the floor of Cold Brook Canyon, and mostly follows the canyon floor to Fossil Ridge. This is an easy hike, but be on the lookout for bison in the area. Watching for rattlesnakes is also important. To access an online map of the Cold Brook Canyon Trail, click on the link below:
Wind Cave National Park Trails Guide
To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17