Cimarron National Grassland

Cimarron National Grassland covers a total area of approximately 108,000 acres of land that is located in the southwestern part of Kansas and more specifically in Morton and Stevens counties. One of the close-by major cities in the area is Elkhart, Kansas, but there are several urban and civic areas in the vicinity including Rolla and Wilburton. Several roads lead to the grassland including US 56, KS 95, and KS 27. 

The grassland was established on June 23, 1960, and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Several attractions make Cimarron National Grassland a fantastic place to visit. For starters, the grassland is home to Point of Rocks which reaches a height of about 3,500 feet making it the third highest point in the state of Kansas. 

From this vantage point, large sections of the states of Colorado and Oklahoma are clearly visible. Other attractions to the grassland include rich flora and fauna including animal species like the elk, pronghorn, white-tailed deer, prairie chicken, black-tailed prairie dog, black-footed ferret, and coyote. Common plant species in the grassland include Shortgrass Prairie and Sand Sage. 

These plants and animals share a common Temperate grassland climate. Furthermore, the grassland is also home to a rich cultural history including the Eight Mile Historical Monument that shares borders with other states including Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Beyond these attractions, Cimarron National Grassland has other lures for visitors who love the outdoors. 

For example, guests to the area can enjoy activities like fishing, hunting, camping, mountain biking, hiking, OHV riding, horseback riding, and bird watching. Some of the amenities available for guests to the park include trails, dispersed camping, livestock corral, picnic area, fishing pier, and scenic drives. 

Cimarron National Grassland is also a place that you can explore with your dog, but it is essential to know that there are areas of the grassland that are restricted. This means that you will need to find out which areas you can and cannot access with your dog.