Arkansas River Sand Prairie Loop

The Arkansas River Sand Prairie Loop follows ancient buffalo paths and Santa Fe Trail wagon ruts through the unique sand sage prairie ecosystem near Great Bend. This 60-mile circuit crosses active sand dunes, skirts alkali wetlands, and passes the ruins of Fort Zarah where trail traders once stopped for supplies. The route’s highlight is the Cheyenne Bottoms crossing, where you’ll ford shallow channels through North America’s largest inland marsh system during low water periods.

Easy to moderate depending on recent rains, this route welcomes stock high-clearance vehicles but rewards 4WD drivers with access to more remote sections. Avoid during spring migration when waterfowl restrictions close key areas. Summer heat can be brutal, making fall the ideal season. The loop offers excellent dispersed camping on higher sand ridges with panoramic prairie views. Bring extra water and expect to share the trail with serious birders drawn to the 400+ species recorded here.