Explore the Flint Hills by Jeep or SUV

Backroads Jeep Routes

Explore the Flint Hills with miles of remote, scenic backroads waiting to be discovered. The most stunning views lie off the beaten path, where only a capable vehicle can take you.  We've collaborated with local enthusiasts to create curated routes designed for Jeeps and SUVs. These self-guided routes let you experience the Flint Hills at your own pace, in your own vehicle. Along the way, you'll experience the true beauty and history of Kansas.

About the Flint Hills

The Routes

The jeeping routes we've created will take you through some of the most picturesque areas the Flint Hills, with little-known landmarks and points of interest along the way. There are 9 route options of different lengths. Click on a route to see full details, including printable maps and GPS files. You can also download ALL routes by clicking here. Have fun!

South Full Day

5 hours 52 minutes, plus time for stops
This 156 mile loop meanders south of Emporia through very remote areas of Chase, Greenwood, and Lyon Counties. You’ll be traveling on some rough, minimum maintenance roads with a low-water crossing at Camp Creek. The route includes beautiful Flint Hills vistas and unobstructed views for miles, as well as a stop at the iconic Teter Rock monument.

South Half Day

3 hours 31 minutes, plus time for stops
This 94 mile loop travels south of Emporia through very remote areas of Greenwood and Lyon Counties. You’ll be traveling on some rough, minimum maintenance roads with a low-water crossing at Camp Creek. The route includes beautiful Flint Hills vistas and unobstructed views for miles, as well as a stop at the iconic Teter Rock monument.

North Full Day

5 hours 17 minutes, plus time for stops

Explore the Flint Hills to the north of Emporia on this 154 mile loop. Along the way, you’ll see an abundance of native limestone, small towns, and some little-known landmarks. You’ll be traveling through a few areas of rough, minimum maintenance roads. The route includes several photogenic spots with unobstructed views for miles.

North Half Day

3 hours 29 minutes, plus time for stops

This 104 mile loop departs from and returns to downtown Emporia, Kansas, exploring the Flint Hills to the north of Emporia. Along this route, you’ll see beautiful scenery as well the historic town of Council Grove. You’ll be traveling through a few areas of rough, minimum maintenance roads. The route includes several little-known landmarks and photogenic spots.

West Full Day

5 hours 24 minutes, plus time for stops

This 164 mile loop departs from and returns to downtown Emporia, Kansas. The route loops through the Flint Hills to the west and southwest of Emporia. There are two low-water crossings (weather permitting) at Coyne Creek and Camp Creek. Some spots are rough, minimum maintenance roads. This route will take you through the rural community of Cottonwood Falls and the semi-ghost town of Elmdale.

West Half Day

3 hours 15 minutes, plus time for stops

This 101 mile route departs from and returns to downtown Emporia, Kansas. The route loops through the Flint Hills to the west Emporia. You’ll be traveling through some remote areas of Chase and Lyon counties, including a stop at the Chase Lake waterfall (weather permitting).

Murder Ordained

31 minutes, plus time for stops

This short 14 mile loop travels from downtown Emporia to Rocky Ford Bridge and back. Also known as “Bird Bridge”, the bridge is infamously known for a tragic murder that occurred there in 1983. Built in 1890’s, the steel truss structure is also an example of Victorian-era engineering. The route is on well maintained gravel roads and is easily doable in a car.

ICT to EMP

3 hours 47 minutes, plus time for stops

This 120 mile, one-way route travels from the east Wichita, Kansas area to downtown Emporia, Kansas. The route passes through very remote areas of Greenwood County. You’ll be traveling on some rough, minimum maintenance roads with a low-water crossing at Camp Creek. The route includes beautiful Flint Hills vistas and unobstructed views for miles, as well as a stop at the iconic Teter Rock monument.

Flint Hills Traverse

2-3 days

This 120 mile, one-way route travels from the east Wichita, Kansas area to downtown Emporia, Kansas. The route passes through very remote areas of Greenwood County. You’ll be traveling on some rough, minimum maintenance roads with a low-water crossing at Camp Creek. The route includes beautiful Flint Hills vistas and unobstructed views for miles, as well as a stop at the iconic Teter Rock monument.

Get It All

Want to download EVERY route map with turn-by-turn directions? Get our full printable guide or GPS files below.

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