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South Dakota
Cliff Shelf Trailhead
0.4 mi
Distance
175 ft
Gain
14 min
Time
Conditions: Clear
for hike, todayWeather is good
1 factor · 1 source
Observed 6 h ago
clear: Weather
Clouds, high 73°F / low 71°F, 0% precip — 95/100 for hike
OpenWeather6 h ago
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Cliff Shelf Trailhead
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Elevation & route
- Distance
- 0.4 mi
- Elevation gain
- 175 ft
- Elevation loss
- 141 ft
Photos
Directions & GPX
Permits & access
No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
About this trail
This loop follows boardwalks and climbs stairs through a juniper forest perched along the Badlands wall. Abundant shade is provided by the junipers and a small pond occasionally exists in the area, which attracts local wildlife. The trail has some boardwalks and stairs, which climb approximately 200 feet in elevation.
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Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive
Door Trailhead
~1 min drive
A wheelchair-accessible ¼ mile boardwalk leads through a break in the Badlands Wall known as “the Door” to a panoramic view of the Badlands. From there, the maintained trail ends and continues onto Badlands bedrock, with yellow posts marking the primitive portion of the…
Castle Trailhead
~1 min drive
The longest trail in the park travels five miles (ten miles round-trip) between the Door and Window parking area and Fossil Exhibit Trail. Relatively level, the path passes along some Badlands formations. The trailhead is equipped with backcountry camping registration kiosks.
Medicine Root Trailhead
~2 min drive
This generally rolling spur trail connects with the Castle Trail on the East near Old Northeast Road and on the West at the intersection of the Castle and Saddle Pass trails. Trail users are provided the opportunity to explore the mixed grass prairie while enjoying views of…
Saddle Pass Trailhead
~4 min drive
This short trail climbs up the Badlands Wall to a view over the White River Valley. The trail ends where it connects with the Castle and Medicine Root Loop trails. Despite being one of the shorter trails in the park, Saddle Pass is one of the steepest, with approximately 300…
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