Cliff Shelf Natural Trail - Badlands National Park, SD
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 43° 45.026 W 101° 55.868
14T E 264011 N 4848330
Hiking to the spot, and bird watching
Waymark Code: WMM35E
Location: South Dakota, United States
Date Posted: 07/13/2014
Views: 11
County of site: Pennington County
Location of stie: Badlands Loop Road, Cliff Shelf Nature Trail, Badlands National Park, SD
A good photo mix and the trail provided by Trip Advisor
Especially around sunset, get set to watch the badlands come to life. More than 215 bird species have been recorded in the area, including herons, pelicans, cormorants, egrets, swans, geese, hawks, golden and bald eagles, falcons, vultures, cranes, doves, and cuckoos. Established roads and trails are the best places from which to watch for nesting species. The Cliff Shelf Nature Trail and the Castle Trail, which both traverse areas with surprisingly thick vegetation, are especially good locations. You may even catch sight of a rare burrowing owl at the Roberts Prairie Dog Town. Be sure to bring along a pair of binoculars.
Sign text:
Cliff Shelf Nature Trail
This loop trail rises 300 feet to a dramatic view of the White River Valley. From this elevation you can also see the flat-topped Eagle Butte, 25 miles (40 km) to the south. Humans have used the Cliff Shelf for more than 11,000 years. More than 50 plant species and 100 bird species have been identified in this small area.
Things to Known Before You Go
Accessible boardwalk trail
the boardwalk for the trail extends about 100 meters
P Lease stay on the established trail.
Be alert for prairie rattlesnakes
Do not attempt to capture any birds and do not pick or damage plants.