The Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway is 42 miles of rolling hills, mesas, canyons and buttes in Central Kansas. The ground contains Iron Oxide, or Rust, giving the land a red color. The area was the "Medicine Hills" to the Native Americans and has also been called Cimarron Breaks.
Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway
Private small ponds dot the area, and after permission is given, you may find the Gypsum Hills a fisherman's dream, with the catfish, blue gill and wipers in abundance.  The wildflowers against the lush green prairie from spring to snowfall are a majestic sight to behold.   
Much of the interesting scenery is along the dirt roads on the open range, but if you are unwilling to share the path with an occasional herd of cattle, you may still enjoy the drive and views right on US Highway 160 from Coldwater to Medicine Lodge, or south along US Highway 281.

The drive on either of these routes will likely be rewarded with glimpses  of pheasant, deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoons or other wildlife, as well as amazing rock formations, canyons, bluffs and ponds, but the off-road drive is truly an adventure.
 Comanche County
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The area has interesting geology, with sink-holes which have created over 100 caves and several collapsed natural bridges.
The Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway is a fantastic place to try out your new camera. The landscape is constantly changing with the many different types of wildflowers from spring to late fall. The green fields are a stark contrast to the different species of trees and rock formations. 
250 million years ago this area was covered in water. When the seawater eventually evaporated, the rocks left behind (called Evaporates) contained salt, iron and gypsum.

These formations are easily dissolved in water, and this erosion sculpted what we see today.  Breath-taking scenery awaits you.
Hundreds of pictures are waiting to be taken. Don't miss the Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway.
Our stunning Red Hills has been picked as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas geography. This Scenic Byway is a winner because of the beautiful rust-red buttes and mesas capped by layers of sparking white gypsum.

Out of many, many nominations only eight achieve the status of Wonders of Kansas Geography.
web designe contact -- ccedf@giantcomm.net
Making our byway one of the 8 wonders of Kansas Geography will invite exploration in our county and stimulate our local economy.
 www.8wonders.org  will lead you to all the winners and other Kansas contest details.
           Thank you for your vote!