Place

Cimarron National Grassland

Looking from a stone bluff out onto an expansive grassland.
Visit Cimarron National Grassland and hike the Santa Fe Trail!

NPS Photo

Quick Facts
Location:
This 108,175-acre grassland covers portions of Morton and Stevens counties in southwestern Kansas.
Significance:
The Santa Fe Trail's Cimarron Route cuts diagonally through this grassland.
Designation:
National Grassland
MANAGED BY:

Trailhead/Hiker Register

Attention: Survey - This survey is for past visitors to Cimarron National Grassland.
"The research is focusing on what people did while there, what resources they used while there, and what they would potentially like to see in the future. I am a graduate student at Kansas State University and this research is going towards my thesis which I hope to have published by May. All information gathered will also be going to Cimarron National Grassland managers and all surveys are completely anonymous and confidential. 
If people want to take the survey and want to get in contact with me they can email me at kbremser@ksu.edu"




Between 1821 and 1846, the Santa Fe National Historic Trail was the major trade and travel route between Old Franklin, Missouri and Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Cimarron National Grassland contains 23 miles of the Santa Fe Trail - the largest section on public land. This 19-mile trail, between Murphy and Conestoga Trailheads, parallels the original Santa Fe National Historical Trail and allows visitors to experience what life may have been like for early trail travellers. Limestone posts help mark the original trail and interpretive signs explain its history. 

Site Information

Location (This 108,175-acre grassland covers portions of Morton and Stevens counties in southwestern Kansas.)

Available Facilities and Exhibits: Several outdoor exhibits are along specific trail-related points of interest on the grassland. A 19-mile interpretive trail that parallels the historical trail is available.

Safety Considerations

Hiking Trail Information

More Site Information

Santa Fe National Historic Trail

Santa Fe National Historic Trail

Last updated: March 11, 2024