South Dakota’s Black Hills offer an environment that’s very different from that found in the eastern portion of the state, but there’s one little canyon there that has an even more unique atmosphere. Check out Botany Canyon – a lush, green little oasis.

Botany Canyon, aka South Stagebarn Canyon, is located on the far east edge of the Black Hills, between Piedmont and Summerset.

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This narrow, deep little canyon creates a unique environment that’s home to plants that you don’t typically see in South Dakota.

Amanda Hood/Alltrails

To explore the canyon, take the Botany Canyon Trail, which is five miles out and back. The trail can be pretty tricky, with an elevation climb of 807 feet and plenty of scrambling on rocky terrain and up steep sections, but it’s worth the effort to see this little paradise.

Christopher Baganha/Alltrails

You might find a fence across the path. In the past, ATV enthusiasts were tearing up the canyon, despite signs telling them that the trail was for foot traffic only. ATV clubs have helped to educate the public and block motorized vehicle traffic through this delicate terrain.

Steve Montagno/Alltrails

Steep cliffs surround you on either side as you traverse this pretty trail.

Christopher Baganha/Alltrails

Because the canyon is so narrow and deep, it offers a lush, wet environment that’s unusual for this area. You’ll find moss-covered rocks, ferns, and a bubbling little creek here.

Patrick Andriola/Allrails

You’ll also find flowers in this canyon that are hard to find elsewhere in our state, such as twinflowers, which thrive in dark, damp environments.

Amanda Gardner/Alltrails

This canyon truly is a botanist’s paradise, with dozen of different flowers, including wood lilies…

Justin Meissen/flickr

…monkey flowers…

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…mountain ninebark, and many more.

CAJC:In The Rockies/flickr

On a summer day, Botany Canyon offers a shady, cool respite from the heat.

Mason McMeekin/Alltrails

To see more gorgeous wildflowers in South Dakota, take this easy wildflower hike that will transport you into a sea of color.

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Amanda Hood/Alltrails

Christopher Baganha/Alltrails

Steve Montagno/Alltrails

Patrick Andriola/Allrails

Amanda Gardner/Alltrails

Justin Meissen/flickr

Justin Rohde/flickr

CAJC:In The Rockies/flickr

Mason McMeekin/Alltrails

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