The Little Known Canyon That Will Show You A Side Of South Dakota You’ve Never Seen Before

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

...monkey flowers...

...mountain ninebark, and many more.

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

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