Elkhart Sand Hills Loop

The Elkhart Sand Hills sit in the far southwestern corner of Kansas where the state meets Colorado and Oklahoma—a landscape of wind-carved sand dunes that feels more like Nebraska’s Sandhills than typical Kansas prairie. This 19-mile loop navigates through active and stabilized dunes on old ranch roads and two-tracks, with the infamous “Devil’s Backbone” ridge at mile 11 offering the steepest sand climb in the state. The dunes shift constantly, so GPS tracks from last season might lead you into soft spots that’ll swallow a truck to the axles.

Difficult trail demanding aired-down tires, recovery gear, and experience in sand. High-clearance 4WD minimum, but low-range and locking differentials make the difference between making it through and calling for help. Best tackled in fall through early spring when temperatures are manageable and sand is more compact. No water available—bring plenty. The reward is experiencing Kansas geology most folks never knew existed, plus excellent stargazing from the high dune camping spots.