Spring Forward: These Kansas Hikes Have the Best Sunset Views

What's the best sunset you've ever seen? Where did you see it? When it comes to amazing sunsets, I think Kansas ranks among the best places to see them. In fact, there are so many wonderful places to see sunsets in the Sunflower State that you could almost call us the "Sunset State." Here are a few of my favorite spots where you can hike out and take in some amazing sunsets in Kansas.

1. Prairie Sunset Trail - Garden Plain City Park

The unforgettable Prairie Sunset Trail is a 12-mile adventure near the town of Goddard, Kansas, within Garden Plain City Park. Popular with hikers, road bikers, and runners, this stunning trail takes just a few hours if you plan to do it all at once. Of course, it's called the Prairie Sunset Trail for a reason: The sunset views are to die for, with stunning golden light spilling across the prairie and right onto the trail, making for a scenic adventure every time. It's mostly straight, and it's rated as moderately challenging, thanks to a narrowing of the path in a few spots. No matter what, though, this one gets an A-plus for perfection.

2. Castle Rock Trail - Castle Rock Badlands

Considerably shorter in length than the previous trail, the 1.2-mile Castle Rock Trail is perfect for anyone looking for a short and sweet sunset experience. Hike to some of the coolest rock formations in Kansas, and be sure to take lots of photos as the sun sinks behind them. It looks and feels like something from another planet, and it's breathtaking and unique to this region. Remember: There's not a lot of shade on this trail, so plan accordingly.

3. Elk River Hiking Trail - Elk City

Hidden away in Elk City is one of my favorite hiking trails in Kansas: the appropriately named Elk River Hiking Trail. At 14.5 miles long, it's easily one of the longer hikes on this list, but don't let that intimidate you. It's home to some of the best views in the state, and as the sun sinks below the horizon, you can't help but feel a sense of awe. The hike is on the northwest side of Elk City Lake, and you can even spot some super-cool limestone bluffs along the shore. This hike is an adventure and a half, and I cannot recommend it enough.

4. Flint Hills Nature Trail - Osawatomie

As one of Kansas's most iconic hiking trails, the Flint Hills Nature Trail is nothing short of utterly magnificent. If you thought some of the other hikes on this list were long, get a load of this one: At 94 miles long, this is an epic adventure disguised as your average Kansan hiking trail. It's much-beloved by backpackers, hikers, and birding enthusiasts, and the sunset views from countless spots along the way are to die for. If you hike the full length, you'll pass through five counties: Miami, Franklin, Osage, Lyon, and Morris. This is the seventh-longest rail trail in the nation, and I'm proud to claim it as ours!

5. Agave Ridge Loop - Cedar Bluff State Park

The one-of-a-kind Agave Ridge Loop at Cedar Bluff State Park is a force to be reckoned with. In contrast to the longer trails on this list, this one's just under a mile long, and my goodness, is it gorgeous. Wildflowers are common in the spring, and when the sun sets over the hills, it's exquisite. I'm a photographer, so I'm a sucker for a good golden hour - and golden hour here is jaw-dropping.

There you have them: five excellent jumping-off points for the best springy sunset views in all of Kansas. Of course, the options don't end with these - the possibilities on Kansas's amazing trails are only as limited as your imagination. If you need a brand-new pair of hiking boots or something else to help you hit the trail in comfort and style, be sure to check out all the coolest offerings from our friends at The North Face.