Visit Us

Discover the beauty of the Sanctuary. The scenery along the drive into the Sanctuary is an experience in itself. Witness wild horses roaming freely, encounter historic landmarks, and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of this protected wilderness.

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Take an unforgettable drive through wild horse country.

Photo: Karla LaRive

Location + Directions

Stop by and say hello!

Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary
12165 Highland Rd
Hot Springs, SD 57747

We are located 13 miles south of Hot Springs, SD off Highway 71. Cross the Cheyenne River Bridge, turn right on Rocky Ford Road (71D), and then right on the unpaved Highland Road at the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary sign. The Sanctuary Visitor Center and Gift Shop is approximately 3 miles from the entrance.

Hours & Admission

  • Open Mon–Fri, 9am-4pm MT (vehicles may enter until 3:15pm)

  • We encourage you to register in advance or call (605) 745-5955

  • No entry fee required. Donations are welcomed and appreciated.

Map showing Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, Little Rock Falls, and Cascade Falls along Highway 71.

You’ll encounter…

Flock of white birds flying over a small pond in a grassy landscape with trees and a hill in the background under a clear blue sky.

Natural wonders

As you drive south on Hwy 71 from Hot Springs to the Sanctuary, you'll pass Keith Park and Cascade Falls, where a warm water underground spring delivers water from 200 years ago. This warm water travels down Cascade Creek and flows into the Cheyenne River, keeping it flowing year-round. You'll notice the vintage rock house in the curve of the road, which was once the Bank of Cascade.

Herd of horses, including brown and white paint horses, walking in an open grassy field with a hilly landscape in the background.

Photo: Karla LaRive

First glimpse of horses

At certain times of the year, you'll spot rescued wild horses and cattle herds on either side of the road at the turn off from Hwy 71 onto Rocky Ford Road (71D). These may include Spanish Mustangs, American Mustangs, and Choctaw Indian Ponies. BLM horses originally from Adobe Town near Rock Springs, Wyoming can be found here as well.

Rustic wooden cabin in a grassy field with mountains in the background.

Coffee Flats School House

Historical landmarks

As you near the Sanctuary, you'll see the one-room Coffee Flats School House, built by local families in 1891 and restored in 2008. The school was named after the Coffee family, cattle ranchers who would drive their herd from Harrison, Nebraska to graze along the Cheyenne River on their way to Rapid City.

Sign reading "Wild Horse Sanctuary" with arrow, set against a rocky landscape and dusk sky.

Entering Sanctuary grounds

At the entrance to the Sanctuary road stands a large rock garden built by founder Dayton O. Hyde, his tribute to the ancient cliffs and canyons that grace the 11,000-acre property. As you turn from Rocky Ford onto Highland Road, you'll pass the remnants of the Ferguson Place on the left and Highland Cemetery on the right, the final resting place of many homesteaders who once farmed this land.

Prickly pear cactus with yellow flowers and buds in a sandy area with green grass.

Untamed wilderness

While you cannot park or leave your car unattended along Highland Road, photography from within your vehicle is encouraged. You'll experience the beauty of the land as it has been for hundreds of years—a true glimpse of the old West. The high desert terrain hosts a variety of plants including yucca, cactus, and wildflowers that peak mid-May through early July, alongside native buffalo grass, big bluestem, and little bluestem grasses.

Paint horse running in a grassy field with a mountainous landscape in the background at sunset.

Sanctuary valley

As the road past the cemetery turns into the valley, the spectacular thousand-foot canyon, rugged wilderness, and wild mustangs grazing on pastoral plateaus create an unforgettable vista. This is the heart of the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary—where America's wild horses run free.

FAQ

  • The Visitor's Center and Gift Shop is open Monday – Friday from 9am-4pm MT. Vehicles may enter until 3:15pm, and exit gates close at 5pm.

  • There is no required entry fee for the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary. Any donation is welcomed and appreciated.

  • We encourage visitors to register in advance on our website or call (605) 745-5955 so we can expect you and say hello when you arrive.

  • 12165 Highland Rd
    Hot Springs, SD 57747

    The Sanctuary is 13 miles south of Hot Springs, SD off Highway 71. Cross the Cheyenne River Bridge, turn right on Rocky Ford Road, then right on Highland Road. The Visitor's Center for tour check-in is about 3 miles from the paved road.

  • Visitors often see horses along Rocky Ford Road and in pastures near the Visitor's Center. You may spot Spanish, American, Choctaw Indian, and BLM horses from Wyoming's Adobe Town region.

  • Photography from within your vehicle is encouraged along Highland Road, but parking or leaving your car unattended is prohibited for safety reasons.

  • Comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, hat, water bottle, and your camera.

  • Each season offers unique views, but mid-May through early July is particularly beautiful when wildflowers are in bloom. Morning hours generally offer the best lighting for photography.

  • Highland Road is unpaved. While most passenger vehicles can handle the road in good weather, visitors should be aware that conditions may vary, especially after rain or snow.

  • Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the drive to and from the Visitor's Center and Gift Shop, where you can purchase souvenirs and learn more about the Sanctuary's mission.

Are you headed our way?

Want the full experience?

We offer private tours May through September. Journey with an experienced guide in our SUV, beyond public access roads to where wild horses roam freely. You'll get up close with our herds while learning their individual stories and the fascinating history of this sacred land.