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Monument Rocks, Oakley, KS

Photo: Wistar92, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureFreeLocal Gem

Monument Rocks

Gove County, 20 miles south of Oakley off US-83 via Jayhawk Rd · Oakley, KS

Why you should go…

Monument Rocks are fossil-rich chalk buttes and arches rising up to 70 feet from the prairie of Gove County. They were the first landmark in Kansas named a National Natural Landmark, and the chalk was laid down about 80 million years ago in an inland sea. The site is on private land the owners share with the public, so no climbing, fossil hunting or camping, and the last miles are on a dry-weather road.

  • #national natural landmark
  • #chalk formations
  • #scenic drive
  • #photography

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Monument Rocks, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park

    Under $25

    Hike two short trails to overlooks above white chalk spires and canyons, the largest Niobrara Chalk formation in Kansas.

    9.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Oakley

    Free

    Northwest Kansas town on the Western Vistas Historic Byway, gateway to Monument Rocks and the Kansas Badlands.

    24 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    Free

    Fick Fossil and History Museum

    Free

    A free Oakley, Kansas museum of giant marine fossils, a sod house replica and pioneer-era artifacts.

    24 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Attractions
    Free Entry

    Buffalo Bill Cultural Center & Visitor Center

    Free

    Oakley's travel information center on US 83 beside a twice life-size bronze of Buffalo Bill Cody, with Wild West and Smoky Hill Trail exhibits and a Kansas gift shop.

    24 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Colby

    Free

    Northwest Kansas town on I-70 known as the Oasis on the Plains, with a pioneer museum and historic downtown.

    45 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Finney County

    Free

    Southwest Kansas county anchored by Garden City, home to a free zoo, historical museum and prairie festivals.

    56 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing