Cimarron National Grassland encompasses more than 108,000 acres of short-grass plains in Morton County, the far southwestern corner of Kansas, administered by the USDA Forest Service from its district office at 242 US-56 in Elkhart. The grassland preserves one of the most intact stretches of original Santa Fe Trail corridor in the United States — approximately 23 miles of wagon ruts and trace left by 19th-century overland traffic are visible and walkable across the open plains. Shorter nature loops of 2–5 miles depart from designated pullouts along Highway 56 and county roads within the grassland boundary. The Middle Spring Santa Fe Trail section and the Point of Rocks landmark west of Elkhart are the most visited trail areas.
Access is by private vehicle only. From Wichita, the drive is approximately five hours via US-160 West and US-56 West; from Dodge City, allow roughly three hours. Gas, food, and water must be obtained in Elkhart before entering the grassland — no services of any kind exist within the trail areas. Cell service is unreliable throughout the grassland; downloading an offline navigation file and topo map before departure is essential. The Forest Service office in Elkhart distributes current trail maps and conditions reports and is the best first stop for orientation.
Trail surfaces are natural short-grass prairie sod and two-track dirt roads. Elevation gain across all routes is minimal in this flat plains landscape. The grassland is a critical habitat for the federally threatened lesser prairie chicken, with males displaying at traditional lek sites from late February through April — a wildlife spectacle unique to the southern Great Plains. Pronghorn antelope, burrowing owls, and scaled quail are year-round residents. The remote location and absence of artificial light sources make Cimarron National Grassland one of the darkest sites in Kansas, ideal for stargazing year-round. Summer temperatures routinely exceed 100°F and afternoon thunderstorms can develop rapidly across the open plains, with no shelter available. Persistent wind at all seasons is characteristic of this landscape.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Elkhart, Morton County
- Best season
- April–May (lesser prairie chicken displays) and October–November (pronghorn)
What to bring
- Water (2+ liters; no water sources in the grassland)
- Hat, sunscreen (no shade)
- Binoculars (lesser prairie chickens, pronghorn, burrowing owls)
- Download offline maps
Location
242 US-56, Elkhart, KS 67950
37.0166, -101.8880 View on map
Highlights
- Twenty-three miles of original Santa Fe Trail wagon ruts — among the most intact preserved corridors anywhere in the US
- Lesser prairie chicken lek displays from late February through April in a critical threatened-species habitat
- Pronghorn antelope, burrowing owls, and scaled quail visible year-round on the short-grass plains
- Exceptional dark-sky site in Morton County with minimal light pollution for year-round stargazing
Tips for visiting
- Gas up and fill all water containers in Elkhart before entering the grassland — no services exist anywhere within the trail areas
- Stop at the Forest Service office (242 US-56, Elkhart) for current maps and conditions before heading into the grassland
- Download offline navigation and topo maps before leaving Elkhart — cell service is unreliable throughout
- Watch for rapid afternoon thunderstorm development in spring and summer; the open plains offer no shelter whatsoever
- Bring binoculars — the wide flat terrain means distant wildlife must be spotted from a distance across the plains
When to visit
Late February through April for lesser prairie chicken lek displays at dawn; April and May for spring wildflowers; October and November for pronghorn activity and cooler temperatures. Summer visits require early morning starts due to extreme heat exceeding 100°F.
Accessibility
The short-grass prairie sod and two-track road surfaces are not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers. The terrain is topographically flat but surfaces are unpaved, subject to wind-blown sand and vegetation, and entirely without accessible infrastructure. No mobility-accessible facilities exist within the grassland trail areas.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Cimarron National Grassland visitor office?
The USDA Forest Service district office is at 242 US-56, Elkhart, KS 67950; phone (620) 697-4621. Stop here first for maps, current conditions, and trail orientation before entering the grassland.
Is there an entry fee for Cimarron National Grassland?
No. Entry to the national grassland and its trail system is free. No permit is required for day hiking.
Where can the Santa Fe Trail wagon ruts be accessed?
The most accessible Santa Fe Trail corridor is near Point of Rocks along US-56 west of Elkhart. Interpretive signs mark historic camping sites and water stops along the 23-mile walkable corridor.
Are there campgrounds within the grassland?
Cimarron Campground near Elkhart provides basic facilities. Dispersed camping is permitted within certain parts of the grassland; contact the Forest Service office for current rules and fire restrictions before planning an overnight trip.