Scenic in Pennington County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Cliff Shelf Nature Trail

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, June 6, 2011

1. Cliff Shelf Nature Trail Marker

Inscription. 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.

The dense, compacted area of a geologic slump retains moisture and fosters the rich vegetation you see on this trail.
Things to Know Before You Go
Accessible Boardwalk Trail
The boardwalk for this trail extends about 100 meters.
Please stay on the established trail.
Some areas beyond the trail are unstable and would crumble if walked on. Also, we hope areas beyond the trail can revegetate if not walked on.
Be alert for prairie rattlesnakes that often rest in crevices. If you travel quietly you can sometimes hear their warning rattle.

Please respect our wildlife and do not feed animals, including birds. If fed, the black-billed magpie can quickly become an aggressive beggar.

Avoid poison ivy, which is common here.
The stairs and viewing platform for this trail were built by volunteers from Telecom Pioneers.

Topics.

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Natural Features.

Location. 43° 45.021′ N, 101° 55.863′ W. Marker is in Scenic, South Dakota, in Pennington County. It is on State Highway 240, on the right. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Scenic SD 57780, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West River,

in the Badlands,

and in Greater Rapid City.

It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A Slump And A Bump (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Badlands Oasis (about 700 feet away); Serving Visitors Since 1935 (approx. 0.7 miles away); Mako sica (approx. one mile away); Anatomy of a Badland (approx. one mile away); Saddle Pass Trail

The Badlands image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, June 6, 2011

2. The Badlands

(approx. 2.2 miles away); The Big Badlands (approx. 2.8 miles away); The Badlands Wall (approx. 2.9 miles away).

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, June 6, 2011

3. The Badlands

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 850 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 30, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.