Cimarron National Grassland Backcountry Loop
Santa Fe Trail country untamed
The 108,000-acre Cimarron National Grassland preserves the last remnant of shortgrass prairie ecosystem in Kansas, and this backcountry loop takes you deep into country that hasn’t changed much since wagon trains rolled through in the 1840s. You’ll follow primitive ranch roads past original Santa Fe Trail ruts at Middle Spring, where emigrants carved their names into the sandstone. The route crosses the Cimarron River multiple times—sometimes bone dry, sometimes running bank-full depending on upstream thunderstorms.
Difficult rating due to sandy washes, unmarked two-tracks, and potential for getting genuinely lost in this remote corner of Kansas. 4WD with good ground clearance essential, plus recovery gear for the sand traps near the river. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F with zero shade. Best tackled in fall or early spring when temps are manageable. No permits required, but notify someone of your plans—cell service is nonexistent and you might not see another vehicle all day. This is as close to wilderness as Kansas gets.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 34 mi / 54.7 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3500 ft |
| Best season | March-May, September-November |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Elkhart, Kansas |
| Land manager | USDA Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler handle this trail?
Yes, a stock Wrangler with decent tires can manage this loop. The sand sections and creek crossings require 4WD, but no extreme rock crawling or major obstacles.
Is this trail passable in summer?
Technically yes, but it's brutal - temps hit 100°F+ with zero shade and the sand gets loose. Spring and fall offer the best conditions with cooler weather.
Do I need permits to camp in the grassland?
No permits required for dispersed camping. You can camp anywhere that's not posted as restricted, just follow Leave No Trace principles.
What's the hardest part of this loop?
The sand washes after rain and the Cimarron River crossing can be tricky with soft banks. Sand can bog down 2WD vehicles quickly in loose conditions.
How far should I plan for fuel range?
Plan for at least 100 miles range beyond Elkhart - the nearest gas is back in town and there's nothing out there. Fill up before you head out.