On this trip we will head to Northwest Kansas to view the Kansas Niobrara chalk formations, better known as Little Jerusalem and Monument Rocks. Our first stop is the canyons and pinnacles of Little Jerusalem in Logan County, which opened to the public in October 2019. You will have the opportunity to hike two permanent marked trails to view the rock formations that tower more than 100 feet. Along the way you can see fascinating plants and animals as well as the fossil remains of swimming and flying reptiles dating back 85 million years. The Overlook Trail extends one-quarter mile along a crushed rock surface to a scenic viewpoint. The terrain is loose rock surface with a gentle gradient. The Life on the Rocks Trail winds one-half mile along the rim of the rocks with multiple bends to provide a variety of views and two scenic overlooks. The trail is crushed rock surface and gentle gradients for all abilities for the first two-thirds mile (3,500 feet) to the first overlook;natural surface trail with moderate slopes for the next one-half mile (2,766 feet) to the second overlook. After a quick stop at Scott Lake, we will travel to Gove County and Monument Rocks. Known as the Chalk Pyramids, these majestic formations are considered one of the eight wonders of Kansas. Breakfast and dinner will be provided.

Facilitator: Beccy Tanner, Adjunct Instructor, Department of History, Wichita State University

Tour Date: Saturday, September 18, 2021

Fee: $129.00

Schedule:

6:00 a.m. - Depart WSU Metropolitan Complex

8:45 a.m. - Breakfast in Hays

10:00 a.m. - Depart Hays

11:30 a.m. - Arrive Oakley Mittens Truck Stop: Bathroom Break

12:15 p.m. - Depart Oakley

12:45 p.m. - Arrive at Little Jerusalem Park

2:15 p.m. - Depart Little Jerusalem Park

2:45 p.m. - Scott Lake Bathroom Break

3:15 p.m. - Depart Scott Lake

3:45 p.m. - Arrive at Monument Rocks

4:30 p.m. - Depart Monument Rocks

7:00 p.m. - Dinner at Pretty Boy Floyds, Ellingwood

8:15 p.m. - Depart Ellingwood

10:00 p.m. - Arrive WSU Metropolitan Complex

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This course contains no sessions