• The setting sun over the Flint Hills casts shadows across the wide expanse of tallgrass prairie.

    Tallgrass Prairie

    National Preserve Kansas

  • Caution - Construction Zone

    Please use caution and follow signs as you enter the parking lot. Construction is nearly complete on the visitor center and restrooms. Please call 620-273-8494, 6034, or 7034 for most recent information.

  • We Are Relocating

    The preserve staff is in the process of relocating and previous phone numbers may not function. Please call 620-273-8494, 6034, or 7034 to reach the preserve. Contact station hours are from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thank you for your patience.

Preserve Backcountry Hiking Trails

View from one of the backcountry hiking trails

Big Pasture Trail

Windmill pasture is home to the preserve's 16 member bison herd. Please do not attempt to pet or come in close contact with the bison. These are wild animals and will charge or defend themselves when feeling threatened. 

Please keep a safe distance when hiking.

  • Visitors may experience the backcountry of the preserve through the trail system. No permit is required. Trails open 24 hours; camping not allowed.

Trail maps are available at the ranger information desk. The information desk is located in the barn at the historic ranch headquarters during the summer months and on the back porch of the house during winter.

A short introductory training session is available before hiking into the backcountry during business hours (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m). Visitors are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and hiking gear, bring plenty of drinking water, use sunblock and insect repellent, and stay on the designated ranch roads and hiking trails. No smoking or pets are allowed in the backcountry.

All backcountry hiking trails are moderately difficult and range from 3.8 to 13 miles. The Scenic Overlook Trail, 3 Pasture Loop Trail, Red House Trail, Big Pasture Trail, and the Two Section Trail each offer visitors a different and unique perspective of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Scenic vistas, prairie grasses, wildflowers, wildlife, and rugged terrain may be experienced along the backcountry hiking trails.

The preserve backcountry trails are listed as a year-round event in coordation with the American Volkssport Association. Learn More

Did You Know?

Spring Hill Ranch at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Stephen F. Jones spent the modern equivalent of about $1.9 million building the Spring Hill Ranch complex including the stone fences, but only owned the property for 10 years and occupied the limestone ranch house for 5 1/2 years.  Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve