Monument Rocks
(Chalk Pyramids)

4 miles east of US-83
25 miles south of Oakley, Kansas

Closed at sunset
Free!

Monument Rocks Map

Kansas Geology and Archeology Attractions

Monument Rocks is nominated as one of the eight Wonders of Kansas

Monument Rocks, the Chalk Pyramids - Kansas
Chalk Pyramids and Monument Rocks
Monument Rocks, the Chalk Pyramids - Kansas

Monument Rocks and Chalk Pyramids are names for the same group of rock outcroppings, near US-83 in western Kansas. There are signs at the turn off (6 miles of gravel roads) from both north and south. Monument Rocks can be seen  in the distance from highway US-83 if you know where to look.

The 70 feet tall sedimentary formations of Niobrara Chalk were created by the erosion of a sea bed which formed during the Cretaceous Period. 80 million years ago, this land was the sea bed beneath the Western Interior Seaway which covered much of what is now North America. This limestone is quite soft and changes in the edges of the rock formations can be seen from year to year. Please be careful not to harm the rocks.

Like Castle Rock Badlands, Monument Rocks are on private range land, but thanks to the owners, they are open to the public during daylight hours. Visiting Chalk Pyramids after dark is explicitly prohibited. Digging or carving into the chalk formations or flying drones is also prohibited. Please carry out your trash and remove any that you find.

The United States Department of the Interior designated Monument Rocks Natural Area as a National Natural Landmark in 1968. Since that time, 4 other National Landmarks have been designated in Kansas: Big Basin Preserve, Baker University Wetlands, Baldwin Woods and Rock City.

Eight Wonders of Kansas

In 2007, the Kansas Sampler Foundation selected Monument Rocks as one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas

Other sites selected as the Eight Wonders of Kansas include the Cathedral of the Plains, Kansas Cosmosphere, Castle Rock, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and the Eisenhower Presidential Library.

Monument Rocks are also known as Chalk Pyramids
 

Charlie the dog monument rock
"Charlie the dog"

Chalk Pyramids and Monument Rocks
Eye of the needle

Calk Pyramids, Monument Rocks - Kansas Travel

Fossils and shells at Kansas Monument Rocks
Bands of shells and other fossils can be easily seen in the rock formations

cattle and monument rocks

This area along the Smoky Hill River has many interesting rock formations. Most are on private property and only visible at a distance, but some, such as the Little Pyramids can be seen from the county roads. Stop at the nearby Keystone Gallery for tips and directions.
 
 

Little Chalk Pyramids of Kansas
"Little Pyramids" - 5 miles west of US-83

Monument Rocks, the Chalk Pyramids Map - Kansas
Monument Rocks Map

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