Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Crooked Creek National Grassland is located in Morton County, in the southwestern corner of Kansas. It encompasses rolling shortgrass prairie and river valleys shaped by the flow of Crooked Creek, a tributary of the Cimarron River. The grassland protects native prairie habitat that supports a variety of plant and animal species adapted to semi-arid conditions. The terrain includes mixed-grass prairie, creek bottoms, and native wildflowers that bloom through spring and summer. Historically, the area was part of the Great Plains used by Native American tribes, followed by settlement and grazing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the grassland is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and provides visitors with opportunities to hike, horseback ride, birdwatch, and photograph prairie landscapes and wildlife such as prairie chickens, deer, and rattlesnakes. The grassland’s open environment and low population density appeal to outdoor enthusiasts seeking a remote and quiet experience. Notable landmarks include the Crooked Creek Canyon, a scenic riparian corridor, and the surrounding prairie hills that reveal sweeping views. The grassland’s preservation maintains an important example of native prairie ecosystems in Kansas, contributing to regional biodiversity and offering an educational outdoor destination.
