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sted everywhere to stay off the rock formations because they are so fragile, but we still saw a few people climbing on them.</p><figure id="a17f"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*JxJ17Nmn6kTvVuD6VCCNDA.jpeg"><figcaption>Castle Rock Badlands. Photo by author.</figcaption></figure><p id="2fbc">There are trails and roads leading clear back to the rocks but be warned they are not maintained. You can get as close as your vehicle allows.</p><figure id="2685"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*PUgWG8qIMJm21pBVZStOAA.jpeg"><figcaption>Castle Rock Badlands. Photo by author.</figcaption></figure><p id="c2d8">The rocks and pillars are made of chalk. These landmarks were used by Native Americans and early settlers for centuries. They are all that remains from an ancient inland sea. They were formed by the weathering of the chalk substance by wind and water until the sea bed completely dried up and left these monuments behind.</p><figure id="d36c"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*ukeFW_utHfnH3uQAK2rgkA.jpeg"><figcaption>Monument Rocks, Kansas. Photo by author.</figcaption></figure><p id="05c2">Also called the Chalk Pyramids, the Monument Rocks are a little further west of the Castle Rock and Badlands.</p><figure id="070d"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*G5fbAio-GKV2UQZHijixQQ.jpeg"><figcaption>Chalk Pyramids of Kansas. Photo by author.</figcaption></figure><p id="a7

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f9">The Chalk Pyramids (monument rocks) were the first National Landmark in Kansas, designated as so in 1968. All of the monuments and towers are on private land, but the owners allow vehicles to freely explore them.</p><p id="149e">The chalk beds are supposedly full of fossils, but we didn’t do much exploring. If you are ever traveling through Kansas, and have the time to take a detour, put these sites on your list of things to see.</p><figure id="0d33"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*YghAUPK3v8HMf2awW47XVQ.jpeg"><figcaption>Chalk Pyramids Kansas. Photo by author.</figcaption></figure><p id="4cb6">Have you ever been to Castle Rock or the Chalk Pyramids in Kansas?</p><p id="7978">Thanks for traveling around America with us.</p><div id="99b9" class="link-block"> <a href="https://medium.com/subscribe/@jakeirns?source=publishing_settings---user_settings----------------------------------"> <div> <div> <h2>Get an email whenever Julia A. Keirns publishes.</h2> <div><h3>Get an email whenever Julia A. Keirns publishes. By signing up, you will create a Medium account if you don't already…</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/0*BsoKH7kLvA6b6sVr)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div></article></body>

The Chalk Pyramids of Kansas

Castle Rock Badlands and Monument Rocks

Just south of Interstate 70 in the state of Kansas are some of the coolest chalky rock formations you will ever see. Everyone always complains about how boring it is to drive through Kansas, but all you have to do is take a little side trip.

Be prepared to drive down some dirt roads to get there, but Castle Rock and the Castle Rock Badlands are definitely worth the trip. You might be better off with a four-wheel drive, but a car can get there too.

We drove our vehicle to the top of the plateau in the picture above. What a view of the Kansas plains.

View of the Kansas plains. Photo by author.

Castle Rock Badlands, Kansas. Photo by author.

There are signs posted everywhere to stay off the rock formations because they are so fragile, but we still saw a few people climbing on them.

There are trails and roads leading clear back to the rocks but be warned they are not maintained. You can get as close as your vehicle allows.

The rocks and pillars are made of chalk. These landmarks were used by Native Americans and early settlers for centuries. They are all that remains from an ancient inland sea. They were formed by the weathering of the chalk substance by wind and water until the sea bed completely dried up and left these monuments behind.

Monument Rocks, Kansas. Photo by author.

Also called the Chalk Pyramids, the Monument Rocks are a little further west of the Castle Rock and Badlands.

Chalk Pyramids of Kansas. Photo by author.

The Chalk Pyramids (monument rocks) were the first National Landmark in Kansas, designated as so in 1968. All of the monuments and towers are on private land, but the owners allow vehicles to freely explore them.

The chalk beds are supposedly full of fossils, but we didn’t do much exploring. If you are ever traveling through Kansas, and have the time to take a detour, put these sites on your list of things to see.

Have you ever been to Castle Rock or the Chalk Pyramids in Kansas?

Thanks for traveling around America with us.

Get an email whenever Julia A. Keirns publishes.

Get an email whenever Julia A. Keirns publishes. By signing up, you will create a Medium account if you don't already…

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