Last updated: October 27, 2020
Thing to Do
See Santa Fe Trail Ruts
NPS Photo
No visit to Fort Larned would be complete without a trip to see the preserved Santa Fe Trail ruts located five miles southwest of the main park grounds.
The Santa Fe Trail was once a major route through the Southwest. Trade goods and mail traveled over the trail until the railroad replaced it. For over 50 years, thousands of wagons traveled over the route, carving deep ruts into the land. Seen from the air, their tracks look as if someone dragged a giant rake across the land. Today there are very few of these ruts left. Fort Larned preserves a small section of trail ruts at our detached Trail Ruts Site. Explore history first hand and see real ruts left by countless wagons on this legendary trail.
The trail ruts site is about 5.5 miles one-way on gravel roads. You can pick up directions at the Visitor Center, or use the directions below. You can also find a map in the location section below.
Be sure and check with a ranger about road conditions before going.
Directions:
1. Leaving Fort Larned National Historic Site, turn left (west) on KS Hwy 156.
2. Turn left (south) on 180th Ave and continue four miles to the junction with J Road.
3. Turn right (west) onto J Road and continue one mile.
4. Turn left (south) on 190th Ave. and continue about 1/2 mile to the parking area.
5. The parking area for the trail ruts site will be on your left.
When you get there, take a half mile walk on the mowed path to see the historic ruts up close. There is also a viewing platform where you can get get a bird’s eye view of the ruts.
Details
Duration
5-10 Minutes
Activity
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are allowed on a leash. Please keep in mind that there is an active prairie dog town at the site. Unleashed dogs can disturb the prairie dogs, as well as pick up fleas from them. Keep weather in mind if leaving pets in your car. Visit our pets page for more information.
Activity Fee
No
All activities at Fort Larned National Hisitoric Site are free.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
The trail ruts are easier to see in the winter when there is less vegetation on the ground, Keep in mind, however, that Kansas winters can be very cold. Visit our weather page for more information about Kansas weather.
Time of Day
Day
The trail rut site is open from sunrise to sunset.
Accessibility Information
The trail ruts are located on a rural road, surrounded by farm land. A short walk of a half a mile over a mowed path takes you to a spot where you can see the ruts at ground level. The ground is slightly uneven so anyone in a wheel chair, or who has trouble walking, should take care. The viewing stand is only accessible by stairs; there is no wheelchair ramp to get to the top. There is also a prairie dog town at the site. We recommend you stay on the mowed path since the site is dotted with holes surrounded by dirt mounds at the top.