“a series of large chalk formations”
The Chalk Pyramids and Monument Rocks are names for the same group of rock outcroppings, near US-83 in western Kansas. There are signs at the turn off (6 miles of gravel roads). You can see the rocks in the distance from the highway if you know where to look. Like the Castle Rock Badlands, the Monument Rocks are on private range land, but thanks to the owners, open to the public. The United States Department of the Interior has designated the Chalk Pyramids as a National Natural Landmark. The 70 feet tall sedimentary formations of Niobrara Chalk were created 80 million years ago when this area was part of a vast inland sea.
Super cool! Like the other reviews say, it definitely is in the middle of nowhere but I didn't have a problem using Google Maps and just typing "Kansas Monument Rocks" so I didn't use the Roadtrippers address. Amazing how these rocks formed.
When you leave, take 83-S down to Keystone Gallery to get some unique souvenirs and check out some fossils, support some local business and nice people! Also saw some jack rabbits cross the road while on 83 :)
Totally worth the extra time. It is literally in the middle of nowhere, so make sure you know where you are going before heading out. The address on Roadtrippers didn't quite take me to the right spot (continue after it says you have arrived, at the fork in the road, go left and you'll run right into it, maybe another 10 minutes). It is a beautiful sight to see, very majestic and completely out of the ordinary with it's surroundings. The pictures turned out great. I also saw fossils and a copperhead snake while there!
Went again yesterday. Still an entrancing place, especially since there was no one else in sight. Spent an hour or so watching the wildlife (swallows, bugs, snakes, hawks) and roaming around the rocks. Took way too many pictures. It's 7.5 miles down a fairly good dirt road to get there, but worth every mile.
Saw this place a couple of years ago. Definitely worth the detour, even on dirt roads.
This trip was well worth the drive down the dirt road off the main highway! I would describe it almost as the (natural) Stonehenge of Kansas - it pops out of nowhere and stands on its own in the middle of an otherwise completely empty and flat surrounding area. The complete solitude and quietness of this place is what really struck me. I was alone, never saw another car, and when the wind wasn't whipping across the plains it was so quiet I could hear the blood pumping in my own head.
It was a little out of the way but 100% worth it.
The ride down from I70 featured wide open horizons, range cattle, and clouds of wind swept dust. The monuments are on private land about seven miles of gravel roads from the paved highway about 40 minutes from the highway. The monuments consist of towers of rock & chalk eroded into gaps and arches with interesting shapes rising from a vale. They were quite stunning at sunset and well worth the drive.
Perfect detour with kids driving to CO from KC!
Tried to visit but it had been raining. Road was too slippery and loose to make it with an RV. We will try again on a dry day
Great little detour. Cool photo ops too.
Be the first to add a review to the Monument Rocks and Chalk Pyramids.
/-100.76318715613411,38.7902291048876,14/300x172@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1Ijoicm9hZHRyaXBwZXJzIiwiYSI6ImJ3eVhLem8ifQ.yQYCwE4pIQahc6sjWNrrIQ)
Monument Rocks and Chalk Pyramids
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Restrooms
-
Wifi
-
Wheelchair Accessible
-
Credit Cards Accepted
-
Outdoor Seating
Parking, Dining
Nearby Hotels
Related Trip Guides
- Trip Guide
- 1 Week
The top things to do on a Route 66 road trip
- 41 Places
- 38:08
- 2,284 mi
- Trip Guide
Make the most of Kansas' 14 mile stretch of Route 66
- 7 Places
- 00:22
- 12 mi
- Trip Guide
Road trip along the Oregon Trail: A journey through history
- 31 Places
- 36:24
- 2,114 mi
- Trip Guide
- 1 Week
Road Trip Down US 83: The Road to Nowhere
- 36 Places
- 31:34
- 1,819 mi