Located at the heart of the Sunflower State, Hays, Kansas, offers the perfect starting point for unforgettable road trips. Whether you’re a local looking to explore your backyard or a visitor eager to discover the hidden gems of Kansas, the region around Hays is brimming with diverse and exciting destinations. From stunning natural landmarks and tranquil lakes to rich historical sites and unique geological formations, there’s something for everyone.
Imagine setting off on your next adventure in a reliable and comfortable vehicle, perfectly suited for long drives and diverse terrains. At Robert Brogden’s Hays GMC, we offer an impressive selection of GMC vehicles, including the spacious GMC Yukon and versatile GMC Terrain, ideal for making the most out of every journey.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the top five road trips you can embark on from Hays, showcasing destinations that offer both beauty and excitement. Whether you’re interested in hiking through breathtaking landscapes, exploring historical sites, or enjoying a relaxing day by the lake, we’ve got you covered. So buckle up and get ready to explore these fantastic road trip ideas. If you’re in the market for a new ride or need assistance with your current vehicle, don’t hesitate to visit or contact us at Robert Brogden’s Hays GMC. Our dedicated team is here to help you find the perfect vehicle for your next adventure!
1. Monument Rocks National Landmark: A Natural Wonder Just a Drive Away
Located just an hour and a half from Hays, Monument Rocks National Landmark, also known as the Chalk Pyramids, stands as a testament to the unique geological features of Kansas. These towering chalk formations, which rise dramatically from the flat plains, create a striking contrast against the expansive Kansas sky. For nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers, Monument Rocks offers an unforgettable experience that’s well worth the drive.
Why Visit Monument Rocks?
Monument Rocks is a must-see for anyone fascinated by natural wonders. The rock formations, sculpted by centuries of erosion, present an awe-inspiring sight. As you explore the area, you’ll be able to admire the intricate details of these formations and even spot fossils embedded within the chalk. The landscape provides fantastic opportunities for hiking, where you can traverse trails that lead you closer to these magnificent structures.
Activities to Enjoy
Hiking: The relatively short trails around Monument Rocks offer a great chance to stretch your legs and take in the views. The rugged terrain and unique rock formations make for a memorable hiking experience.
Photography: With its dramatic rock structures and expansive skies, Monument Rocks is a photographer’s paradise. Capture the beauty of these natural wonders and the ever-changing light that paints the landscape.
Geological Exploration: For those interested in geology, Monument Rocks provides a fascinating opportunity to learn about the natural processes that shaped these formations.
Travel in Comfort with the GMC Terrain
Embarking on a road trip to Monument Rocks is a breeze when you’re driving a GMC Terrain. This versatile SUV, available at Hays car dealerships like Robert Brogden’s Hays GMC, is designed to handle both smooth highways and rugged paths with ease. Its spacious interior ensures a comfortable ride, whether you’re traveling solo or with family and friends. Plus, the Terrain’s advanced features, such as its efficient fuel economy and available all-wheel drive, make it an excellent choice for exploring remote and scenic destinations like Monument Rocks.
At Robert Brogden’s Hays GMC, we’re committed to helping you find the perfect vehicle for your adventures. Stop by our dealership in Hays to explore our inventory of GMC Terrains and other models that are perfect for road trips. Our team is here to assist you in finding a vehicle that meets your needs and helps you make the most of your journey to Monument Rocks and beyond.
2. Wilson Lake State Park: A Scenic Retreat Near Hays
Just a short 45-minute drive from Hays, Wilson Lake State Park offers a refreshing escape into nature with its stunning landscapes and abundant recreational opportunities. Known for its pristine waters and picturesque surroundings, Wilson Lake is a perfect destination for those looking to enjoy a day of outdoor fun or a relaxing weekend getaway.
Why Visit Wilson Lake State Park?
Wilson Lake is celebrated as one of the clearest lakes in Kansas, making it an ideal spot for a variety of water-based activities. The lake’s clear, turquoise waters are framed by rugged hills and lush vegetation, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or excitement, Wilson Lake has something to offer.
Activities to Enjoy
Fishing and Boating: The lake is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts and boaters alike. Cast your line and enjoy the tranquility of the water, or take to the lake with your boat to explore its scenic coves and inlets.
Hiking and Swimming: The park features several hiking trails that offer beautiful views of the lake and its surroundings. Additionally, the designated swimming areas provide a refreshing break from the summer heat.
Camping and Picnicking: With its well-maintained campgrounds and picnic areas, Wilson Lake is a great place for a family outing or a peaceful camping trip under the stars.
Travel in Style with the GMC Yukon
For a road trip to Wilson Lake State Park, the GMC Yukon is the ideal vehicle to get you there in comfort and style. As a premier car dealer in Hays, Kansas, Robert Brogden’s Hays GMC is proud to offer the GMC Yukon, which is perfect for both long drives and rugged adventures. The Yukon’s spacious interior ensures that everyone can stretch out and relax during the drive, while its powerful engine and ample cargo space make it easy to bring along all your gear, from fishing rods to camping supplies.
The GMC Yukon’s advanced features, including available all-wheel drive and a smooth ride, are designed to handle diverse terrains and keep you comfortable on the journey. Whether you’re navigating rural roads or parking at the lake, the Yukon’s capabilities and convenience make it the perfect choice for your trip to Wilson Lake.
Visit Robert Brogden’s Hays GMC in Hays to explore our inventory of GMC Yukon and other vehicles suited for your outdoor adventures. Our team is here to help you find the perfect vehicle to enhance your road trip experience and ensure you make the most of your time at Wilson Lake State Park.
3. Fort Larned National Historic Site: A Journey Through American History
Located about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Hays, Fort Larned National Historic Site provides a fascinating glimpse into the American frontier era. This well-preserved 19th-century military fort offers an immersive historical experience, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and families alike.
Why Visit Fort Larned National Historic Site?
Fort Larned played a crucial role during the Indian Wars, serving as a key military post on the Santa Fe Trail. Today, it stands as a testament to the history of the American West. The fort’s historical buildings, interactive exhibits, and reenactments offer visitors a chance to step back in time and explore life as it was in the 1800s. From the fort’s barracks to its officers’ quarters, every aspect of the site is meticulously maintained to provide an authentic experience.
Activities to Enjoy
Historic Tours: Walk through the preserved buildings and explore the fort’s historical significance. Guided tours and informative displays provide insight into the daily life of soldiers and settlers during this era.
Reenactments and Exhibits: Participate in or observe reenactments that bring historical events to life. The exhibits showcase artifacts and stories from the time, enriching your understanding of the period.
Family-Friendly Events: Enjoy various educational and engaging activities designed for all ages, making it a perfect outing for families.
Travel in Comfort with Brogden Automotive’s GMC Yukon
A visit to Fort Larned National Historic Site is even more enjoyable when traveling in a GMC Yukon from Brogden Automotive. The GMC Yukon, available at Robert Brogden’s Hays GMC in Hays, offers a spacious and comfortable ride, ideal for long trips and family outings. With its powerful performance and ample cargo space, the Yukon ensures that you can carry all your essentials and travel in style.
The Yukon’s advanced features, including a smooth ride and available all-wheel drive, provide a comfortable journey on both highways and rural roads leading to Fort Larned. Whether you’re packing up for a day trip or a longer excursion, the Yukon’s capabilities and luxury make it the perfect choice for exploring historical sites like Fort Larned.
At Robert Brogden’s Hays GMC, we invite you to visit our dealership in Hays to explore our selection of GMC Yukon and other vehicles that are perfect for your next adventure. Our team at Brogden Automotive is here to assist you in finding the ideal vehicle to enhance your historical explorations and ensure a memorable visit to Fort Larned National Historic Site.
4. Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park: A Geological Wonderland
Situated about 2 hours from Hays, Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park offers a unique and breathtaking landscape that’s well worth the drive. Known for its striking badlands terrain and dramatic rock formations, this relatively new state park provides a rare glimpse into Kansas’ geological wonders.
Why Visit Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park?
Little Jerusalem Badlands stands out with its otherworldly landscape of eroded rock formations and rugged terrain. The park’s mile-long walking trail leads visitors through an impressive display of Niobrara chalk formations, sculpted over millennia by natural forces. It’s a perfect destination for those interested in geology, hiking, or simply experiencing a truly unique environment.
Activities to Enjoy
Hiking: Traverse the park’s trails to get up close to the fascinating rock formations. The trails offer various viewpoints where you can take in the dramatic scenery and enjoy a hike through this stunning landscape.
Photography and Birdwatching: Capture the beauty of the badlands with your camera or binoculars. The park’s unique features provide excellent opportunities for photography and observing local wildlife.
Exploring Geological Features: Learn about the park’s geology and how the formations were created by centuries of erosion.
Travel with Ease in the GMC Terrain
For your trip to Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, consider driving a GMC Terrain from Hays used car dealerships like Robert Brogden’s Hays GMC. The GMC Terrain’s compact size and off-road capabilities make it ideal for navigating the park’s rugged terrain and getting the most out of your adventure.
The Terrain’s efficient fuel economy and comfortable interior are perfect for both the drive to Little Jerusalem and your time spent exploring the park. With features such as a smooth ride and available all-wheel drive, the Terrain ensures that you can handle diverse road conditions and reach the park with ease.
At Robert Brogden’s Hays GMC, we offer a range of GMC Terrains that are well-suited for outdoor adventures and road trips. Visit us in Hays to test drive the Terrain and discover how it can enhance your journey to Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park and beyond. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect vehicle for your next exploration and ensure that you make the most of your trip to this remarkable destination.
5. Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Located approximately an hour from Hays, Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area is one of North America’s most significant wetland ecosystems. This expansive wildlife refuge attracts thousands of migratory birds each year, making it a must-visit destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Why Visit Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area?
Cheyenne Bottoms is renowned for its rich biodiversity and vital role in bird migration. As one of the largest inland wetlands in the United States, it provides crucial habitat for a wide variety of bird species. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or simply enjoy nature, Cheyenne Bottoms offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural setting.
Activities to Enjoy
Birdwatching: With over 300 species of birds visiting during migration seasons, Cheyenne Bottoms is a premier spot for birdwatching. Bring your binoculars and field guide to catch sight of a diverse array of bird species.
Photography and Nature Walks: The wetlands offer fantastic opportunities for nature photography and leisurely walks. Capture the beauty of the wetland environment and enjoy the serene landscape.
Wildlife Observation: Beyond birds, the area is home to various other wildlife species. Explore the wetlands to observe and appreciate the diverse fauna that inhabits this unique ecosystem.
Travel Comfortably with Brogden GMC’s GMC Yukon
A visit to Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area is best enjoyed when you travel in the GMC Yukon from Brogden GMC. The GMC Yukon, available at Robert Brogden’s Hays GMC in Hays, offers a spacious and comfortable ride, ideal for long trips and outdoor excursions.
The Yukon’s ample cargo space is perfect for storing birdwatching gear, photography equipment, and other essentials. Its powerful performance and advanced features ensure a smooth and enjoyable drive to the wildlife area, even on rural roads and in varying weather conditions.
At Robert Brogden’s Hays GMC, we’re committed to helping you find the right vehicle for your adventures. Visit our dealership in Hays to explore our inventory of GMC Yukon and discover how this versatile SUV can enhance your visit to the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. Our team at Brogden GMC is here to assist you in finding the ideal vehicle to make your nature explorations as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.
Discover Your Next Adventure with Robert Brogden GMC
Exploring the top road trip destinations from Hays, Kansas, is a fantastic way to experience the beauty and diversity of the region. From the stunning geological formations at Monument Rocks to the rich historical insights at Fort Larned, each destination offers unique opportunities for adventure and relaxation. To make the most of these journeys, it’s essential to travel in a vehicle that combines comfort, capability, and style.
At Robert Brogden’s Hays GMC, we invite you to visit our dealership in Hays to explore our extensive selection of vehicles, including the GMC Yukon and GMC Terrain. Whether you’re planning a rugged trip to Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park or a scenic drive to Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, our vehicles are designed to enhance your road trip experience with their spacious interiors, advanced features, and reliable performance.
Explore Our Vehicle Options
The GMC Yukon is perfect for those who need extra space and power for long journeys, while the GMC Terrain offers a versatile and efficient option for various driving conditions. Both vehicles are equipped to handle diverse terrains and provide a comfortable ride for your adventures.
For more information on how to make your next road trip unforgettable, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Robert Brogden’s Hays GMC. We’re here to help you find the ideal vehicle for your needs and ensure you have everything you need for a successful journey.
Continue Your Journey with Us
As you prepare for your travels, consider exploring additional resources on our site to further enhance your driving experience. You might find our guide on 5 Things to Look for in Your Next Commercial Van particularly helpful if you’re considering a vehicle for business purposes. Or, if you’re interested in financing options, our article on 6 Things to Know about Financing Through GM Financial provides valuable insights to help you navigate the process.
Additionally, if you’re curious about the latest models, be sure to check out our overview of the 2024 GMC Canyon, which offers exciting features and capabilities for adventurous drivers.
We look forward to assisting you at Robert Brogden’s Hays GMC. Visit us in Hays to explore our wide selection of vehicles and start planning your next great road trip.
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