Most Scenic Road Trips in Wichita, Kansas, United States
1. Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway
A 30-mile drive through rugged hills and canyons offering scenic views of bison herds, elk, and petroglyphs.
- Wildlife Encounters: Opportunity to spot bison, elk, and other wildlife in their natural habitat
- Geological Wonders: Explore unique rock formations and canyons created by millions of years of erosion
- Historical Significance: Visit ancient Native American petroglyphs and learn about the region's history
2. Flint Hills Scenic Byway
A 180-mile drive through tallgrass prairie providing panoramic views of native grasslands and wildlife.
- Natural Beauty: Experience the beauty of untouched native prairie landscapes
- Wildlife Observation: Spot bison, deer, and other wildlife roaming freely across the prairie
- Historical Insights: Discover pioneer homesteads and learn about early settlers' lives in the Flint Hills
3. Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area
A 19-mile self-guided auto tour through a vast wetland teeming with birds and other wildlife.
- Birdwatching Paradise: One of the best places in North America to observe thousands of migratory waterfowl
- Wildlife Variety: Opportunity to spot rare species like whooping cranes and bison
- Natural Wonders: Experience the unique ecosystem of this Great Plains wetland
4. Salt Creek-Quartz Mountain Scenic Byway
A scenic drive through Quartz Mountain Wildlife Management Area, featuring panoramic views of the Wichita Mountains.
- Geological Marvels: Observing the unique geological formations of Quartz Mountain
- Wildlife Spotting: Opportunity to spot elk, bison, and other wildlife in this wilderness area
- Natural Landscapes: Experience the beauty of the rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems
5. OK-51/K-4 Highway Scenic Byway
A 280-mile drive through the beautiful Osage Hills, offering views of rolling hills, forests, and historic sites.
- Historical Significance: Visit historic sites like the Osage Indian Reservation and Fort Washita
- Natural Beauty: Enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, forests, and valleys
- Wildlife Observation: Spot deer, wild turkeys, and other wildlife in their natural habitat
6. Rock Island Trail State Park
A 13-mile hiking trail that follows an abandoned railroad line, offering stunning views of the Arkansas River.
- Scenic Hikes: Enjoy a peaceful hike along the Arkansas River
- Historical Insights: Learn about the history of the abandoned railroad and its role in Wichita's development
- Natural Landscapes: Experience diverse ecosystems, from forests to wetlands, along the trail
7. Hwy 15/69 Scenic Byway
A scenic drive through the Osage Hills and Wichita Mountains, offering panoramic views of rolling hills, forests, and rock formations.
- Geological Marvels: Observing unique geological formations in the Osage Hills and Wichita Mountains
- Wildlife Spotting: Opportunity to spot elk, bison, and other wildlife in these wilderness areas
- Natural Beauty: Enjoy the scenic beauty of rolling hills, forests, and valleys
8. Cimarron National Grassland
A vast expanse of tallgrass prairie offering scenic drives, hiking trails, and opportunities to spot wildlife.
- Natural Beauty: Experience the beauty of untouched native prairie landscapes
- Wildlife Observation: Spot bison, deer, and other wildlife roaming freely across the prairie
- Historical Insights: Learn about the region's history and early settlers' lives in this vast grassland
9. Gloss Mountains State Park
A scenic drive through a unique landscape of eroded glimmering limestone peaks.
- Geological Marvels: Observing the unique, otherworldly landscapes created by erosion
- Natural Beauty: Enjoy scenic views of the glimmering limestone peaks
- Hiking Opportunities: Explore hiking trails and learn about the area's geological history
10. Kaw Lake Scenic Drive
A scenic drive around Kaw Lake offering views of the lake, rolling hills, and wildlife.
- Natural Beauty: Enjoy scenic views of Kaw Lake and the surrounding countryside
- Wildlife Observation: Spot deer, waterfowl, and other wildlife along the lake's shoreline
- Recreational Opportunities: Enjoy fishing, boating, and other recreational activities at Kaw Lake
11. Hwy 400 Scenic Byway
A scenic drive through the Osage Hills and Wichita Mountains, offering panoramic views of rolling hills, forests, and rock formations.
- Geological Marvels: Observing unique geological formations in the Osage Hills and Wichita Mountains
- Wildlife Spotting: Opportunity to spot elk, bison, and other wildlife in these wilderness areas
- Natural Beauty: Enjoy the scenic beauty of rolling hills, forests, and valleys
12. Hwy 62 Scenic Byway
A scenic drive through the Osage Hills, offering panoramic views of rolling hills, forests, and historic sites.
- Historical Significance: Visit historic sites like the Fort Washita and the Osage Indian Reservation
- Natural Beauty: Enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, forests, and valleys
- Wildlife Observation: Spot deer, wild turkeys, and other wildlife in their natural habitat
13. Hwy 270 Scenic Byway
A scenic drive through the Osage Hills and Wichita Mountains, offering panoramic views of rolling hills, forests, and rock formations.
- Geological Marvels: Observing unique geological formations in the Osage Hills and Wichita Mountains
- Wildlife Spotting: Opportunity to spot elk, bison, and other wildlife in these wilderness areas
- Natural Beauty: Enjoy the scenic beauty of rolling hills, forests, and valleys
14. Hwy 54 Scenic Byway
A scenic drive through the Osage Hills, offering panoramic views of rolling hills, forests, and historic sites.
- Historical Significance: Visit historic sites like the Fort Washita and the Osage Indian Reservation
- Natural Beauty: Enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, forests, and valleys
- Wildlife Observation: Spot deer, wild turkeys, and other wildlife in their natural habitat
15. Hwy 33 Scenic Byway
A scenic drive through the Osage Hills, offering panoramic views of rolling hills, forests, and historic sites.
- Historical Significance: Visit historic sites like the Fort Washita and the Osage Indian Reservation
- Natural Beauty: Enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, forests, and valleys
- Wildlife Observation: Spot deer, wild turkeys, and other wildlife in their natural habitat