Cliff Shelf Nature Trail
The Cliff Shelf Nature Trail offers an opportunity for you to enjoy unique trailside flora and fauna in an unusually green section of the park.
Plan Around Cliff Shelf Nature Trail
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Cliff Shelf Nature Trail Details
The Cliff Shelf Nature Trail offers an opportunity for you to enjoy unique trailside flora and fauna in an unusually green section of the park; small shrubs and juniper trees flourish along this trail. Notice the formation that towers over Cliff Shelf: this used to be a riverbed, the lowest point in the area. You'll enjoy the dramatic landscape of the White River Valley, with views of Cliff Shelf and Eagle Butte. There are over 100 bird species in this area, as well as over 50 types of plants, so keep a sharp eye out. To reach the trailhead, take Badlands Loop Road a half mile east from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. There is a horseshoe bend in the road where you'll find the well-marked trail. The beginning of the trail is wheelchair accessible, but there are steps that lead to the highest point on the trail. There is a 300-foot elevation gain, however it is a fairly short hike.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
0.5 mile
Estimated time
30 minutes
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Cliff Shelf Nature Trail
Compare nearby parks around Cliff Shelf Nature Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Cliff Shelf Nature Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Cliff Shelf Nature Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.4 mi away
Badlands National Park
Prairie, buttes, and one of the world's greatest treasure troves of fossils highlight the diversity of Badlands National Park.
0.4 mi away
Overview
Prairie, buttes, and one of the world's greatest treasure troves of fossils highlight the diversity of Badlands National Park.
0.4 mi away
Paleontology Lab
From May until September, visitors can visit the Paleontology Lab at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.
0.4 mi away
Ben Reifel Visitor Center
At the park headquarters you'll find information, ranger talks and hikes, educational programming and activities.
0.6 mi away
Cedar Pass Lodge and Campground
Providing food, lodging and food service, the Cedar Pass Lodge is open from April until mid-October.
