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Badlands National Park is a popular destination in the summer months for climbing, hiking, and exploring amongst the rock formations. Cliff Shelf Nature Trail is one of the lesser known hikes takes visitors away from the crowds and trampled earth to a boardwalk over an untouched natural landscape for a closer view into a wilder past.
About 4 miles south of the Northeast Park Entrance, just past the Castle Trailhead, is the Cliff Shelf Nature Trailhead. It sits on the outside of the cliff formation facing open space just through Cedar Pass. There is a parking lot here typically filled with people soaking in the panoramic views. Park and head up the loop trail to step into Badland's past.
The trail heads up stairs through boardwalks and well marked trails into a Juniper forest. The shade can be a relief in South Dakota's sweltering summer heat that often reaches into the 100's. The trail winds along a ledge offering long views before turning up toward the rock formation below the Notch Window. Up a few flights toward the top is a resting area with grande views facing South and East.
This hike is a perfect early morning stop on your adventure through the park. It is common to see Bighorn Sheep, Rattlesnakes, Deer, Quail, Bison, Porcupine, and Bobcats on this trail before the crowds arrive. It is unique in that it takes you above the wild hills in a way that does not damage them, letting the wild move beneath you untouched.
Bring a hot breakfast with cold orange juice and start your Badlands visit right!
To complete the trail, follow the loop back through the thick Juniper grove back to the parking lot!
Leave No Trace
