Elk River Hiking Trail
~2 days · 14.4 mi · easy · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Elk River Hiking Trail is known for
Kansas's best-known backpacking trail traces the limestone bluffs on the northwest shore of Elk City Lake near Independence — about 15 miles point-to-point through boulder passages, rock overhangs and narrow canyons. Primitive campsites lie along the whole length; usually done as an overnight.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,572 ft to 2,972 ft over 14.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 4.9 mi · 34%
- Downhill 5.8 mi · 41%
- Flat 3.5 mi · 24%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Elk River Hiking Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Elk River Hiking Trail in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 14.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Elk River Hiking Trail?
The Elk River Hiking Trail climbs roughly 741 ft total — about 51 ft per mile, topping out near 915 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.