Last updated: January 14, 2023
Place
Gunsight Notch
Photo/NPS
Quick Facts
Significance:
Visible ridge worn away by Santa Fe Trail traffic
MANAGED BY:
Private
Near Chase, Kansas three large sand dunes, called Plum Buttes, stood. The Buttes rose above the surrounding prairie, making them a noticeable landmark for Santa Fe Trail travellers. Some travelers would pass over the dunes. The many years of commercial traffic over the dunes formed a ridge called Gunsight Notch.
Although the dunes have worn away over the years, you can still see the Gunsight Notch ridge and ruts at the site. The gunsight notch is a ridge in a grassy pasture. You can see the depression in the earth where nearly 60 years of commercial traffic left a mark on the earth. Ruts, or depressions in the earth, can be seen as well. Gunsight Notch is just two miles from the Kern Ruts which are some of the best preserved ruts on the trail!
Site Information
Location (Two miles from the Kern Ruts)