Kanopolis State Park: Where the plains meet the Wild West
Kanopolis State Park, near Salina, Kansas.
Explore canyons, rocky bluffs and pristine prairie in the shadow of great figures of the past.
Trail Kanopolis State Park Trail System
Overview
Kanopolis State Park, near Salina, Kan., is where the Wild West meets the plains. This park, when combined with the adjacent Smoky Hill Wildlife Area, consists of a sprawling 16,000 acres with 30 miles of trails. Set in the Smoky Hills, Kanopolis is marked by red sandstone outcroppings, overhangs and secluded canyons. Clear prairie streams trickle toward Kanopolis Lake. The place retains an aura of Western history: It was originally populated by Native American tribes of Pawnee, Cheyenne, Apache and Kiowa. They camped in these canyons and left petroglyphs describing their life hunting game. After them, famous personalities who passed through the area include George Custer, Buffalo Bill Cody and Wild Bill Hickok. Just the name Horse Thief Canyon, which trails run through, evokes the mystique and majesty of this place. Beyond the trails, the park’s attractions include Kanopolis Reservoir and a prairie dog colony.
Drive Time Via I-70, Kanopolis State Park is three hours and fifteen minutes from Downtown Kansas City.
Length There are 30 miles of trails in the park and nearby wildlife refuge.
Address and location Kanopolis State Park, 200 Horsethief Road, Marquette, Kan., 67464
Conditions Most trails are natural surface, but well marked and maintained. There are moderate elevation gains.
Kid friendly? Kids will need to be able to walk on their own.
How busy? On holidays and during warm weather, this trail gets moderate traffic. If you want a less-trafficked experience, visit on a weekday or in the offseason.
Pets Yes, on a leash.
Bikes Yes unless indicated otherwise.
Other area attractions
Smoky Hill Wildlife Area Because of its remoteness, Kanopolis is not a crowded park. However, if you really want to get away from it all, begin at the Smoky Hill Wildlife Area instead of the main park. The refuge borders the park to the west. You’ll experience the same type of terrain, but with fewer people. The main trail is a dirt road that leads into the park through the “back door” of Red Rock Canyon. There are several other trails in refuge, but it’s easy to get lost and they can be overgrown in summer. For the most reliable trail, begin at the Alum Creek Trail and Prairie Trail trailhead, which is mapped and pictured here. Then follow it as far as you want.
In addition, Mushroom Rock State Park, a small tract containing highly unusual, stunning rock formations, is nearby and is a must-see if you’re in the area.
Mushroom Rock State Park is 10 miles from Kanopolis State Park in Kansas.