Take the Drive to This Remote Kansas Spot (The Views Are So Worth It)

Ask someone from either coast about our fair state, and they'll likely answer that just about any place in Kansas is remote. Of course, those of us who love the Sunflower State know several decent-sized metropolitan areas are within our borders. Even so, we do have quite a few regions that are pretty darn rural. Small towns make up the bulk of Kansas, and you never have to drive too far to reach an agricultural area with lots of farmland and prairie. We know just the spot if you're looking for a particularly remote place in Kansas for an afternoon escape.

Big Basin Prairie Preserve is tucked away in Clark County, not too far from Ashland. It's a bit out of the way for most of us, but it's a beautiful locale that's perfect for connecting with nature. So, is the drive to this remote destination in Kansas worth the final view? Let's see!

This magnificent preserve, managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, sprawls over 1,818 acres in the Gypsum Hills. Kansas may have a reputation for being as flat as a pancake, but anyone who's spent much time in our western regions knows we have some beautiful rolling hills and quite a few fascinating rock formations.

The preserve has been designated a National Natural Landmark thanks to its interesting landscape. In addition to acres of prairies and rolling hills, it's also home to the Big Basin, which shares its name. A sinkhole originally formed this unique depression, and it is about a mile in diameter and 100 feet deep with almost completely vertical walls. There is no drainage outlet for water to leave, so it occasionally forms small ponds after heavy rains.

A similar basin within the preserve is Little Basin, which is 280 yards in diameter and 35 feet deep. It holds a permanent pond called St. Jacob's Well. Interestingly enough, St. Jacob's Well, which measures 84 feet in diameter, is unknown to have ever gone dry! This natural wonder is enough to make me want to visit Big Basin Prairie Preserve. Early settlers used the basins as landmarks and water sources when bringing cattle from Texas, and you can find a Living Water Monument commemorating the area's importance within the park.

The best way to explore Big Basin Prairie Preserve is on a hike. Take the long but easy 4.7-mile Little Basin Loop, which starts just off Highway 160. You can either hike or drive along this trail, which offers serene grassland views and, if you're lucky, the opportunity to spot the park's free-roaming bison.

The preserve is home to around 50 American bison roaming freely through the prairie. If you head out here to enjoy nature, you'll likely see them. This is such a beautiful area of the state to take a stroll and be alone with your thoughts!

Would you visit this remote part of Kansas to see the views of Big Basin Prairie Preserve? To me, views like these are worth the drive! What do you think? If you have another favorite spot with stunning views in Kansas, please nominate it, and you may see it in a future article.

Check out the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website for more information about Big Basin Prairie Preserve. You can get more information about the hiking opportunities here from our friends at AllTrails, and if you're looking to get out and discover new places to get in touch with Kansas nature, consider a free trial of AllTrails+. Trail guides, turn-by-turn directions, and other benefits make it an invaluable resource for Sunflower State nature lovers!

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