Is Sundance Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Sundance, Wyoming, is a small but historically rich town in the northeastern corner of the state, tucked up against the Black Hills and conveniently located just off I-90.

Its name comes from the sacred Sun Dance ceremony performed by Native American tribes in the area, reflecting the deep spiritual connection indigenous people have with this land.

Long before settlers arrived, the area was home to the Lakota and other Plains tribes, who hunted and thrived in the surrounding hills.

Incorporated in 1884, Sundance gained infamy when the notorious outlaw Harry Alonzo Longabaugh—better known as the Sundance Kid—was jailed here for horse theft.

He took his moniker from the town, cementing its place in Wild West lore.

Today, the Crook County Museum in town tells this story and more, from the region’s ranching roots to its connections with the railroad.

Located less than 30 minutes from Devils Tower National Monument, Sundance is an ideal base for exploring this iconic site, but it’s worth visiting in its own right.

Sundance Mountain offers hiking trails with panoramic views of the Black Hills, and the surrounding area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

With its mix of Wild West history, Native American heritage, and easy access to stunning landscapes, Sundance offers travelers a chance to explore Wyoming beyond the usual tourist paths.

Even if you’re just passing through on I-90, Sundance warrants a stop for a meal or an afternoon of exploring.

Plus, it’s at the crossroads of several scenic drives spanning out in all directions.

Warnings & Dangers in Sundance

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The risk in Sundance is low by all accounts, but we'll help you keep the risk that way with tailored safety advice throughout this article.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

You won't have any public transportation options in Sundance. This is Wyoming—people drive. For those without a car, rideshares or shuttles from Rapid City or Gillette may be available with advanced planning. Once you’re in town, everything is close enough to navigate by foot. Renting a car is the safest and most convenient option, especially with the natural landmarks in the region.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

The risk is low, but that's assuming you're using smart personal safety steps. Always lock your car, don't leave personal items inside, and don't carry large purses or bring valuables with you.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Sundance should be treated as a medium risk. Blizzards can disrupt travel in winter, and occasional thunderstorms might bring strong winds or hail in summer. Tornadoes and wildfires are possible, making vigilance during extreme weather events a good habit. Spring and summer bring the most severe storms.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Robbery rates are low, and there's not a lot of worry about getting mugged here. Stay in well-lit areas, and don't walk around alone at night to keep the risk low.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Any risk related to terrorism would likely come from trafficking on I-90 and probably won't impact the average traveler. However, you can help law enforcement by reporting any suspicious activity.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local police department and sheriff’s office social media sites for the latest scams. That will help keep the risk low. Be wary of overly pushy vendors or anyone offering "too-good-to-be-true" deals on tours or accommodations. Stick to reputable businesses, and you’ll likely find the area’s straightforward, no-nonsense culture extends to its commerce as well.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women traveling alone in Sundance often find it safe and welcoming. Locals are friendly, and crime rates are low. Standard precautions, like avoiding poorly lit areas at night, apply, but visitors generally feel comfortable exploring both the town and the surrounding trails solo.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1.

Safest Places to Visit in Sundance

To dive deeper into planning your trip to Sundance, Wyoming, visit the Sundance Chamber of Commerce website, Devil’s Tower Country website, or the Travel Wyoming site.

The Chamber’s website offers a free downloadable tourism guide.

You can also look at our roundup of South Dakota cities, like Deadwood and Spearfish.

That’s one of the reasons Sundance is so popular: it is close to many cool places to visit.

It’s considered the gateway to Devils Tower National Monument, with easy access to Keyhole State Park, Vore Buffalo Jump, the Aladdin General Store, and an abundance of things to do in South Dakota.

Downtown Sundance has a collection of shops and restaurants, with additional historical tours that pair wine sipping with a leisurely walk through the town.

Sundance Square is the central gathering spot downtown, so look for events and festivals happening during your visit.

Crook County Museum is a great stop to learn about the region’s history, including exhibits on the Sundance Kid and the town’s frontier days.

It’s small but packed with artifacts and stories, making it a quick but worthwhile stop to understand Sundance’s roots.

Sundance White Ranch Park, a 100-acre public space at the base of Sundance Mountain, offers trails for hiking and biking.

This is the closest and easiest access point to Sundance Mountain and dramatic views of the region.

Sundance is near the Bearlodge District of Black Hills National Forest. Follow #BearlodgeRD on X to get updates and itinerary ideas.

Since this region covers 200,000 acres, it’s helpful to get as much insight as possible.

National Forests have distinct characteristics compared to National Park Service sites like Devils Tower.

That includes ATV trails in the Black Hills.

Devils Tower also allows rock climbing on a limited and seasonal basis.

The Bear Lodge Scenic Byway spans about 22 miles through the Black Hills, connecting Sundance to nearby scenic spots.

It offers pullouts with sweeping views, trail access, and glimpses of wildlife.

Vibrant in the fall, it’s ideal for leisurely drives.

Look for the Travel Storys app to find GPS-guided tours around this region, with a mobile phone voice telling the story of the land dating back to time immemorial.

Golfers should also know that Sundance Country Club isn’t members-only.

It is open to the public and has nine holes accommodating all skill levels.

Places to Avoid in Sundance

You don’t need to worry about bad parts of town here.

The city is safe to explore, and crime rates are low.

The only caution I would offer is to stay off private land unless you have permission from the owner.

There are plenty of public lands nearby that you don’t need to risk trespassing.

Winter in Sundance can bring dangerously strong winds and blizzards that reduce visibility and make driving hazardous, even on a major route like I-90.

Black ice is common, and temperatures can drop rapidly, so always check weather conditions before heading out.

The winds can also make a relatively easy hike that much more challenging.

I always bring a scarf or COVID mask to protect my mouth and nose from blowing dust.

Sometimes, goggles can help keep debris out of my eyes, too.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Sundance

So... How Safe Is Sundance Really?

Since the Sundance Police Department no longer exists, we have to look to the county for law enforcement data which doesn’t paint a perfectly accurate picture.

However, even across Crook County, violent crime totals haven’t been more than 10 in a year since at least 2021.

While trying to find some news headlines to help tell this story, I found more updated information about the Sundance Kid than any modern-day criminals.

While Sundance is safe, you never know who’s going to be driving through town on that busy interstate, so keep up your guard and implement consistent safety practices.

Never leave your car unlocked, even just for a few minutes at a gas station.

Follow all safety guidance at parks and lakes, and don’t risk any outdoor activities if storms are in the forecast.

Always be no more than 10 minutes from a shelter if clouds are brewing or a severe thunderstorm watch/warning is underway.

How Does Sundance Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app for help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.

Weather

Sundance experiences classic Wyoming seasons. Winters bring snow (averaging 50+ inches annually), with lows dipping below 10°F. Summers are pleasant, with highs in the 80s and crisp nights. Spring and fall are mild and breezy, but sudden temperature shifts mean packing layers is always a good idea.

Airports

The nearest commercial airport is Rapid City Regional Airport, just over an hour away in South Dakota. Gillette-Campbell County Airport, slightly further, offers limited flights. Both provide access to regional and national connections, making Sundance a quick hop from urban hubs while maintaining its remote, small-town charm.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.

Sundance Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Wyoming - Safety by City