Kansas isn't particularly known for mountains, scenery or jaw-dropping landscapes, but the Great Plains of western Kansas has a beauty unto its own. Wide open spaces, grassy fields that go on forever and simplicity are core descriptors of the plains. Oh and wind ... let's not forget about the Kansas wind!

Today's excursion was a visit to the highest natural point in Stanton County located in southwest Kansas. This spot is located near Saunders, Kansas, an unincorporated area with tall grain elevators and railroad tracks. Below are 19 photos of this beautiful region of western Kansas.

How I Got There: On the state line on the west edge of Saunders, KS, travel south on State Line Road 0.5 miles to County Road 20. Travel 1.5 miles east on County Road 20 and make a right (south) on County Road Y. Travel approximately one mile south on County Road Y and the knoll on the right constitutes the high point. I parked my car and hiked approximately 200 yards to the large flat knoll.

-Steve

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	Photo Gallery My adventure began in Johnson, Kansas, the county seat of Stanton County. I traveled west on State Highway 160 through Manter to the state line.
	The scenery on each side of the road is very Kansas-like. Not much to look at! My knowledge of farming isn't the greatest, but friends informed me the short green grass comprises of wheat fields in its early stage of growing. Wheat, sunflowers and milo are very popular crops on farms in western Kansas. My past farm pages are related to sugar beet farming in Minnesota: Harvesting Sugar Beets Minnesota Farm
	A nice view of the road as I traveled west.
	Saunders, Kansas There is something very endearing about Saunders, Kansas. With the exception of the farm-related buildings, no homes or residences exist. It isn't even an incorporated town. As far as I noticed, there were no remnants of old homesteads or barns that indicated this was once inhabited with local residents. If I learn more, I will certainly update this page with this town's history. In the meantime, adjacent are two photos. :)
	An array of signs at the state line.
	Traveling south on State Line Road.
	As I traveled east on County Road 20, this was the view of the grain elevators in Saunders. I thought it was a pretty picture. I know this sounds crazy, but those structures remind me of the skyline of a city like New York! :)
	As stated above, I drove approximately one mile south on County Road Y. Near the one mile mark, a very slight sloped hill is situated on the right. According to previous trip reports and my altimeter, this is the high point of Stanton County, Kansas!
	I parked my car at the crest of the road, and walked onto the grassy knoll. The land was lush with various grasses, yucca plants and small yellow flowering plants. I spotted hardy prickly pear cactus here and there as well. It was not obvious where the exact high point was on the hill, and so I walked all over.
	High Point - Stanton County, Kansas One photo of me. My altimeter read 3,692 feet. By the way, that crazy Kansas wind was so strong that this was the only photo where my hair wasn't flying horizontally across my face.
	Three photos of the Kansas plains from the high point. My other Kansas pages: Kansas Turnpike Kanorado, Kansas Mt. Sunflower (Kansas High Point)
	From the high point, the view of the grain elevators in Saunders. If you enjoy my web site, please hit the like button... ColoradoGuy.com on Facebook