2011 Map of Cliffs Plateau

About this map

The Little Missouri River carves through the southwestern corner of this landscape, a region defined by elevated tablelands and a network of seasonal washes. Ranching life is evident through numerous family-named landmarks including the Gunkel Ranch, M Griffin Ranch, and Henders Ranch, scattered across the open range. The topography is anchored by the Cliffs Plateau and Kinley Plateau, which rise above the drainage systems of Bear Creek and Toms Wash. A sparse road network, featuring routes like E River Rd and KG Rd, connects these isolated homesteads. The map captures the specialized land use of the North Dakota badlands, where the relationship between the river valley and the high Hanley Plateau dictates the placement of roads and dwellings.