BHNF Trail #91: Cliff Swallow Trail | Black Hills & Badlands - South Dakota

BHNF Trail #91: Cliff Swallow Trail

Trail Difficulty: 
Moderate
Trail Length: 
3.7 mile loop
Trail Elevation Range: 
4,740 to 5,120 feet

Cliff Swallows nest in the limestone bluffs above Beaver Creek. Look for gourd-shaped mud nests in the rock out-croppings below the ridge.

Other wildlife commonly seen along the trail include white-tailed deer, elk, and turkey. Along Beaver Creek watch for blue heron, beaver, and water dippers.

High above, turkey vultures are often seen riding the thermal drafts. Mountain lions, although rarely seen, also call this area home.

Directions: 

From Sundance:
Take Highway 14 west one mile to FSR 838. Travel north on FSR 838 and 843 to FSR 842. Take FSR 842 one mile to the trailhead.

From Spearfish:
Take I-90 west to Aladdin Exit 199. Travel north four miles on Highway 111 to FSR 843. Turn to the west on FSR 843 and travel to FSR 842. Take FSR 842 one mile to the trailhead.

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