Red Hills Mining District Loop
Kansas badlands in blood-red stone
The Red Hills rise like alien monuments from the wheat fields of southwestern Kansas, their rusty sandstone slopes scarred by decades of salt and gypsum extraction. This 24-mile loop connects old mining roads through Barber County’s most dramatic terrain, passing the massive Hutchinson Salt Company excavations and threading between 200-foot red mesas that give the region its name. Key waypoint is the abandoned Gypsum City townsite, where concrete foundations mark Kansas’ brief mining boom era.
Easy to moderate difficulty on maintained gravel roads, though loose red dirt can get slippery when wet. Any high-clearance vehicle handles it fine in dry weather. Spring and fall offer the best conditions — summer temperatures regularly hit 100°F with no shade, while winter ice makes the red clay roads treacherous. No permits needed on public roads, but mining operations require staying on designated routes. Several primitive camping spots exist along Clark County line roads with expansive views across the red mesa country.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2140 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance recommended |
| Nearest town | Medicine Lodge, Kansas |
| Land manager | Barber County |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| 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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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock SUV handle the Red Hills Mining District Loop?
High-clearance is recommended but not absolutely required. A stock Subaru Outback or similar crossover can make it through in dry conditions, though you'll want to take it slow on the rougher sections.
Is this trail accessible in winter?
October through April is best season, but avoid the trail during or after rain/snow as the red clay becomes extremely slippery and impassable when wet.
Do I need any permits to drive the Red Hills Mining District Loop?
No permits required. This is on public land managed by Barber County, but respect private property boundaries marked along some sections.
What's the most challenging part of this easy-rated trail?
The steeper climbs up the mesa walls can be loose and rutted, plus some narrow shelf roads with drop-offs require careful attention despite the easy overall rating.
Can I camp along the loop since there's no cell service?
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed but bring everything you need including water - you're 45 minutes from the nearest services in Medicine Lodge with zero cell coverage throughout.