Background Information:

 

Altitude: 4,039'

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Tidbits:  Highest point in Kansas

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Summitted, September 26, 2006

 

Time Zone: GMT -7  hours

 

When to go:

Anytime.

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Route Selection:

There is no route...just a long, long, long drive from anywhere, to the middle of nowhere.

 

Hotel and Climb Reservation:

No guide, permit, or trail reservations are required.  The summit is on private property, but the owners welcome highpointers.

 

Packing List:

None.

 

Getting There:

From the Colorado border on US Highway 40, go about 1 1/2 miles east.  Turn left on the gravel road found at this point (there is a Mt. Sunflower sign located here).  Go about 10 1/2 miles to another gravel road on the left (with another sign).  Make the left and go a little over a mile.  There is a small dirt road to the right (with a cattle guard). Go a few hundred yards and you are there.

 

Trip Description:

After summiting the high point in Oklahoma the day before, I spent the night at the Best Western in Lamar , Colorado and made the pre-dawn drive to Mt. Sunflower in just a few hours.  It was really a culture shock turning off the main road onto the gravel road that Interconnects US 40 and Interstate 70 (a distance of about 40 miles).  There were a few nice ranch houses along the way and EVERYBODY that you passed waived hello. 

 

After finding the summit, which I had completely to myself, there was a nice picnic area located at the summit (fenced off from the cows) and a pleasant note from the owners of the property welcoming you to their homestead and inviting you to drop by their home to discuss your "lofty adventures".  The people in this area are the nicest people I have ever met.  It was a bit cool, and not your typical mountain-top views, but there was a beauty to the rolling meadows that was just as beautiful. 

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