Expansive prairie preserve offering hiking, birdwatching, camping, and historic Santa Fe Trail wagon ruts across over 100,000 acres of native grassland.

How to Get There

From Dodge City, KS (120 mi): Take US-56 W through Hugoton to Elkhart; the grassland headquarters is located on the east side of town along Highway 56.

Overview

The Cimarron National Grassland spans over 108,000 acres in southwestern Kansas, making it the largest tract of public land in the state. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this vast prairie landscape is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, camping, hunting, and fishing. The grassland is interspersed with private lands, so visitors are encouraged to stay on marked trails and respect property boundaries. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and numerous bird species, making it a prime destination for nature photography and wildlife observation.

One of the most historically significant features of the Cimarron National Grassland is the preserved section of the Santa Fe Trail. A 19-mile interpretive trail parallels the original wagon route, marked by limestone posts and educational signage that recounts the experiences of 19th-century traders and pioneers. The landscape, shaped by the Dust Bowl and restored through federal conservation efforts, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical depth. Whether you're exploring the trail, camping under the stars, or simply enjoying the wide-open skies, the Cimarron National Grassland provides a peaceful and enriching escape into the heart of the American prairie.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the , which are released under the https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.