Y’all, Kansas has a couple of surprises up her sleeve and Monument Rocks aka Chalk Pyramids is one of them!
Located in what feels like the middle of nowhere Gove County, Kansas, Monument Rocks leaps from the landscape when you least expect it.
We ran into Monument Rocks by accident. We had just visited Mount Sunflower (Kansas high point), which was also in the middle of nowhere on a dirt road and flat land and I was looking to see if Kansas had any more unusual or oddities to visit. While I don’t recall exactly how I stumbled across Monument Rocks, I am so glad I did!
Driving there, you’ll notice that it is much like the rest of Kansas…flat.
Then boom! You round a corner and there she stands in all her glory. You begin to wonder if you were transported to another state; did aliens come down and save you from the boring flat Kansas landscape and eject you to another world maybe?
This really is a hidden gem.
History of Monument Rocks
Monument Rocks (aka Chalk Pyramids) was designated the very first National Natural Landmark in Kansas on October 31, 1968. The limestone formations reach 50 feet tall and were formed during the Cretaceous Period.
Know Before You Go
Closed at Dark – Monument Rocks is only open during daylight areas and visiting after dark is strictly prohibited.
Private Property – The formation is located on private property but the property owners have opened it to the public during daylight hours. You are considered to be trespassing after dark.
No Climbing – It should go without saying but there is no climbing on or defacing of the rocks allowed.
No Services – There are no bathrooms or services on the property. The closest services were about 30 minutes away so plan accordingly.
The road to paradise is paved in dirt – or dirt/gravel. Expect to be on a dirt/gravel road for about 6 miles.
Visit Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park – While you are in the area, visit Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park which is not too far from Monument Rocks. I didn’t know about it at the time but wish I did! So, I have added that to my, never thought I would need a Kansas bucket list, list LOL.
Getting To Monument Rocks
Monument Rocks is located 18 miles north of Scott City or 20 miles south of Oakley off of US 83 (look for turn-off signs and be prepared for 6 miles of dirt/gravel roads) on County Road 16. Easy to find with Google Maps.
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