Kansas is full of rolling hills and open skies, but when you come across a rock formation like Monument Rocks or Castle Rock it’s always a shock to some. For most Americans, Kansas is a flat state full of fields and blue skies, but what do they really know? Kansas is full of surprises, and this area in northwest Kansas is just one of them. For those of you that would never expect this, it’s time to learn something new!

Hellooooo there! Welcome to Arikaree Breaks, one of the coolest geological features of Kansas.

Land & Sky Scenic Byway Facebook You can imagine the echo, right?

This feature of ours was both carved by water and created by sand and silt deposited by our beloved wind.

Land & Sky Scenic Byway Facebook It’s sort of a more permanent version of sand dunes, if you think about it. First the water makes a path, and then the dirt creates layers upon layers to make the “cliffs” seen here.

This is Horse Thief Cave, one of many caves located among the Breaks.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Though it’s no longer a cave, it’s now a natural bridge. At least you can’t hide stolen horses here anymore!

Devil’s Cap is one of the most scenic areas, if you’re into photos.

Kansas Tourism/Flickr Think of it as our very own Grand Canyon, without all the extra driving and tourists crowding you.

It’s full of rare plants not seen anywhere else in the state.

Kansas Tourism/Flickr There’s at least 16 native plants here that are rare in Kansas, and two forms of Sage that can’t be found anywhere else in the state.

No matter what the season, the Breaks are always beautiful.

Kansas Tourism/Flickr Whether they’re lush and green or dry and brown, each season brings its own beauty to these badlands.

The best way to view them? Drive through, of course!

Kansas Tourism/Flickr The local landowners have asked any visitors to please stay on the public roads, as we don’t want to disturb the wildlife or change Arikaree Breaks in any way. Preserve and protect!

For those of you who would love to tour Arikaree Breaks, start in St. Francis to take the guided tour, found at the Kansas Travel website here.

Land & Sky Scenic Byway Facebook

You can imagine the echo, right?

It’s sort of a more permanent version of sand dunes, if you think about it. First the water makes a path, and then the dirt creates layers upon layers to make the “cliffs” seen here.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

Though it’s no longer a cave, it’s now a natural bridge. At least you can’t hide stolen horses here anymore!

Kansas Tourism/Flickr

Think of it as our very own Grand Canyon, without all the extra driving and tourists crowding you.

There’s at least 16 native plants here that are rare in Kansas, and two forms of Sage that can’t be found anywhere else in the state.

Whether they’re lush and green or dry and brown, each season brings its own beauty to these badlands.

The local landowners have asked any visitors to please stay on the public roads, as we don’t want to disturb the wildlife or change Arikaree Breaks in any way. Preserve and protect!

If you’re looking for more Kansas beauty like this, you should check out this list of 11 spots that are sure to wow any Kansan.

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