Mount Sunflower | Kansas (#33)

A “Peak” Experience in Kansas

In far western Kansas, near the Colorado border, lies Mount Sunflower, a towering summit by Kansas standards at 4,039 feet above sea level. As the highest point in the Sunflower State, it ranks #28 among U.S. state high points by elevationand marks my 33rd summit on this ongoing high-pointing journey. While it may not boast rugged peaks or dramatic cliffs, Mount Sunflower is a subtle reminder that Kansas has more topography than it often gets credit for.

Instead of jagged ridgelines, this summit owes its height to the gradual rise of the High Plains as they slope toward the Rocky Mountains. It’s understated, yes—but that’s part of the charm.

The Journey There

Ranking #28 by elevation, this “summit” requires no hiking boots or climbing gear. Instead, the real challenge lies in navigating the dusty county roads leading there. While fairly manageable, those roads churn up enough dust to rival a Charlie Brown cartoon, complete with Pig-Pen-style clouds. Passing another car? Prepare for a brief but dramatic dust storm.

Fortunately, the drive itself is short. Coming from Historic Lake Scott State Park, it took just 1 hour and 50 minutes, making Mount Sunflower an easy addition to a western Kansas itinerary.

Photo: Mount Sunflower | Kansas High Point

Kansas’ “Mountain”

Kansas is often associated with endless prairies and Dorothy’s tornado-filled adventures. Still, the Sunflower State does have a “mountain”—at least technically. Call it a hill if you must, but Mount Sunflower is a quirky slice of Americana that proves every state gets a summit. Semantics aside, it counts.

Getting There and Red Tape

No matter where you begin, you’ll eventually find yourself on County Road 3. From there, look for the sign reading “Mount Sunflower 1 Mile.” Turn onto Road Wa WW (yes, that’s really the name), and soon another sign points you in the right direction. The final approach is a short drive—about half a mile—up a gentle rise.

Photos: The Entrance to Mount Sunflower

Naturally, there are no permits required. Simply park along the dirt road and walk the final stretch to the summit. Since Mount Sunflower sits on private land, respecting the property is essential. Thankfully, the owners have embraced visitors, adding picnic tables, a whimsical metal sunflower sculpture, and a mailbox for signing the guestbook. Pro tip: bring your own pen—supplies aren’t guaranteed.

Photos: Whimsical Sunflower Sculpture | The Mailbox

A Surprisingly Thoughtful Summit Area

Meanwhile, you’ll also find a Little Free Library and a small table perfect for sitting, reading, and soaking in the quiet. It’s an unexpectedly charming setup that blends whimsy with the calm openness of the Kansas High Plains.

Photos: The Little Library and Reading Area

The “Climb”

Before you grab your crampons and oxygen tanks, let me clarify: the elevation gain from base to peak is roughly…zero. Mount Sunflower is part of the High Plains, so the “ascent” involves stepping out of your car and walking a few paces to the marker. It’s peak-bagging for the rest of us—no sweat required.

Photo: Summit Selfie

At the summit, several quirky details await. There’s a rock engraved with Mount Sunflower’s precise latitude and longitude, along with a post covered in directional signs pointing toward far-off destinations—including two cities in Sweden. Why those places? That mystery is part of the fun.

Nearby, a commemorative stone honors early settlers Edward and Elizabeth (Fortin) Harold, offering a thoughtful nod to the resilience of those who first called this rugged land home.

Photos: Directional Signs

Photos: Longitude and Latitude Rock | Commemorative Stone Honoring Early Settlers

Views from the Top

Even so, the real star is the landscape itself. For photographers and Instagram fans, the rolling plains and expansive sky create surprisingly strong visuals. A wide-angle lens helps capture the scene—think ocean waves, but made of golden wheat instead.

Photo: High Above the Plains – Mount Sunflower

When I visited, the sky was a deep, brilliant blue. The early afternoon sun cast a warm glow across the plains, while scattered clouds lingered near the horizon. It was 1:30 PM, and although the wind whipped steadily—as it often does on the High Plains—the weather was nearly perfect. Despite the chill, it was the kind of day that encourages you to linger.

The Final Word

Mount Sunflower proves that adventure comes in many forms. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or someone who gets winded climbing stairs, this is one summit you’ll conquer with ease. So pack a camera, a friend, and maybe a bag of sunflower seeds for thematic snacking, and head west. It’s not just a peak—it’s a mindset.

Even if high-pointing isn’t your thing, exploring what America has to offer always is. As Mark Twain famously wrote, travel broadens perspective and challenges assumptions—something that feels especially relevant right now.

I usually steer clear of politics on this blog. Still, with a U.S. presidential inauguration upon us, travel feels like a timely reminder of shared humanity. Seeing new landscapes and meeting people outside our usual circles helps cut through rhetoric and soundbites. In the end, forming opinions through lived experience may be one of the best ways to bridge divides.

Photo: The Vermont Country Store Kissing Bridge | Bellows Falls | Vermont

Catch you on the summit!

Date of Climb: 3 January 2025