Horsethief Canyon Trail
Outlaw hideout turned technical sandstone maze
The Horsethief Canyon Trail drops into a maze of Dakota sandstone formations where outlaws once hid stolen livestock in the 1870s. This technical route winds through narrow canyon passages, over ledge climbs, and around house-sized boulders that have tumbled from the rimrock. The trail’s signature obstacle is Devil’s Backbone, a knife-edge sandstone fin that requires precise wheel placement to navigate without body damage.
Rated difficult, this trail demands a lifted 4WD with skid plates, rock sliders, and at least 33-inch tires. Spring and fall offer the best conditions when summer heat isn’t baking the canyon walls. No permits required, but Kanopolis State Park charges a vehicle entry fee. Dispersed camping is available at several spots along the rim. The payoff is classic Kansas geology rarely seen elsewhere in the state—towering sandstone spires and hidden alcoves that transport you far from the prairie stereotype.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 8 mi / 12.9 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1520 ft |
| Best season | April-May, September-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Lifted 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Ellsworth, Kansas |
| Land manager | Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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