Cliff Shelf Nature Trail

This trail has easy access to the Badlands and provides beautiful views of wildflowers and across the Great Plains. This half-mile, heavily trafficked loop passes through a juniper forest along the Badlands Wall. The trail is located near Interior, South Dakota and is suitable for all skill levels. The start of the loop is wheelchair-friendly, but steps lead to the highest viewing platform on this wide trail. While Cliff Shelf Nature Trail has 300 feet of elevation change and most hikers will fly through this short hike with soaring views. You can also see the flat-topped Eagle Butte 25 miles to the south. To get to the trailhead, take the Badlands Loop Road (Route 240) and head half a mile east of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to a parking lot outside a horseshoe bend in the road. The trailhead is well marked.