Castle Rock

One of the 8 Natural Wonders of Kansas, these stunning chalk deposits are many millions of years old. This geological feature of Kansas existed when the area was part of a vast inland sea. The surrounding area, known as the "Badlands of Kansas" stretches over 100 miles across numerous counties in Western Kansas. Location: Castle Rock: Take I-70 Quinter exit 107 (Castle Rock Road), go 15 miles south to the intersection of GO 80 and GO K, then 4 miles east to the Castle Rock sign, and north across a cattle guard (dry weather road only). We recommend not trekking to see these unique features after precipitation (these are rutty, dirt roads after all!) And if it looks like your vehicle can't make it, trust that gut instinct! While smaller vehicles can make the trip when conditions are just right, these dirt roads can be rough terrain to cover. If you are traveling with a large group. Please contact Matt Miller, at 785-769-4195. Don’t forget to pack the camera because this is also home to some uniquely stunning views! The Stunning View Badge is a curated collection of the most stunning scenic viewpoints that Kansas has to offer. If you’re looking for other great, photo-worthy spots, you can find the entire collection here. Castle Rock is found along the Smoky Valley Scenic Byway. Named for their hazy, blue appearance at sunrise and sunset, the Smoky Hills divide the more easterly mixed-grass prairie from the shortgrass prairie of the Western Great Plains. The Smoky Valley Scenic Byway travels through the Smoky Hill River Valley, a showplace of native grasses and wildflowers. Purple and bright-yellow coneflowers species, red-and-yellow Indian blanket flower, sky-blue pitcher sage, and cream-flowered yucca mix with big and little bluestem and grama grasses. Croplands provide additional color washes of emerald-green winter wheat in early spring and russet, ripened milo in autumn. Rock outcroppings hint at the foundation underlying the landscape - chalky limestone left by ancient seas. Take a look at the other sights you can see along the Smoky Valley Scenic Byway here.