The Nature Conservancy’s Smoky Valley Ranch is 16,800 acres of predominately short grass prairie. Much of the land is leased to local ranchers, but 3,000 acres are committed to a buffalo herd. At the north end is a hiking trail with one or five mile loops that is open to the public.
From Oakley, take US-40 west to the western edge of Monument, Kansas. Go south on 350th Road for approximately 15 miles to reach the hiking trail. There is parking and a kiosk on the east side of the road. The ranch continues for a few miles and has spectacular scenery. Just a couple of miles past the river you may catch a glimpse of the buffalo herd, and deer or antelope are usually seen in the area.
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