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Hiking Cliff Shelf Nature Trail In Badlands National Park

Cliff Shelf Nature Trail is one of the lesser known hikes in Badlands National Park. This loop hiking trail will take you away from the crowds through a picturesque grove of Juniper trees to a beautiful viewpoint of the White River Valley.

Cliff Shelf Nature Trail Hike In Badlands National Park

The easy hike begins along a boardwalk through a Juniper forest before climbing a set of stairs that travels adjacent to the Badlands Wall. From the top of the staircase you’ll be able to see sweeping views of the Great Plains which includes the flat-topped Eagle Butte that stands twenty-five miles away to the south.

Cliff Shelf Nature Trail Details

  • Distance: 0.5 miles (loop)
  • Elevation: 200 feet
  • Time: 30 minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Location: Cliff Shelf Nature Trailhead

The partly shaded trail is a welcome relief in the summer months when temperatures in Badlands National Park soar above ninety degrees!

Wildlife you may encounter on or from this hiking trail includes Bighorn sheep, deer, porcupines, quails, birds, squirrels, and rattlesnakes. Early morning and late afternoon are always better for wildlife viewing.

Hiking Cliff Shelf Nature Trail

Begin this hike at the Cliff Shelf Nature Trailhead located on Badlands Loop Road (Route 240) which is about a half mile from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and four miles from the park’s northeast entrance. The trailhead is well marked and there is a decent sized parking lot.

You’ll first stroll along a boardwalk through a pleasant Juniper forest which is in stark contrast to the barren rocky landscape found throughout the rest of the park. The cliff shelf directs water into this area which is the reason why there is so much more vegetation thriving here than anywhere else in Badlands National Park.

Cliff Shelf Nature Trail In Badlands National Park
Cliff Shelf Nature Trail In Badlands National Park
Cliff Shelf Nature Trail In Badlands National Park
Cliff Shelf Nature Trail In Badlands National Park
Cliff Shelf Nature Trail In Badlands National Park
Cliff Shelf Nature Trail In Badlands National Park
Cliff Shelf Nature Trail In Badlands National Park
Cliff Shelf Nature Trail In Badlands National Park
Cliff Shelf Nature Trail In Badlands National Park

The boardwalk eventually turns into a dirt hiking trail before coming to another boardwalk, which will lead to a staircase that runs alongside the Badlands Wall. These several flights of stairs ascend two hundred feet to an observation deck with incredible views of the White River Valley.

Be sure to spend a couple of minutes at the observation deck to soak in the scenery and appreciate the vastness of South Dakota’s Great Plains. Looking south, you’ll see many strange rocky formations and outcrops for miles and miles.

Heading back down, you will descend the staircase into the forest of Juniper trees where the boardwalk again turns into a dirt trail. Finish the loop hike back at the parking lot.

Map of Cliff Shelf Nature Trailhead

Tips For Hiking Cliff Shelf Nature Trail

  • Whether you choose to hike the Cliff Shelf Nature Trail during the day or evening, be sure to check the weather in advance because this region is prone to violent thunderstorms, especially in summer. While the trail is not very long, it does involve some climbing and walking along surfaces that can become slippery even with just a little bit of rain. Check the weather forecast in Badlands National Park here.
  • If hiking in summer, be sure to take a bottle of water with you. It does get very hot in South Dakota during July and August with temperatures usually in the nineties.
  • This hiking trail is partly exposed. If hiking during summer, you may want to wear a hat and sunscreen. Use this sunscreen which is less harmful to you and the environment.
  •  While sturdy boots are not necessary for this hike, you may want to wear them as there are rattlesnakes in the area and boots can be a good layer of protection.
  • Please remember dogs are never allowed on hiking trails inside national parks. All dogs inside Badlands National Park must be leashed.

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