TRAILGRAPH

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Scenic Overlook Trail

Length: 3.25 mi

Est. time: 1h 12m

Gain: 89 ft

Loss: 290 ft

Max elev: 1,490 ft

Point-to-pointUnknownhike

Elevation profile

+89 ft gain · −290 ft loss — an estimate from a DEM.

Trailhead & logistics

Barn Handicap Parking (ParkingLot) · 2 accessible spaces

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Visitor Center (VisitorCenter)

What to know

Bison viewing on the Scenic Overlook Trail

Windmill Pasture is half a mile uphill from the visitor center. Occasionally bison will rest near the gate, deterring hikers from entering. Hikers can turn back or use an alternate trail to the scenic overlook. The round trip along the Davis Trail is 7 1/2 miles. <span style="color:#e67e22;">Plan for an additional hour</span> when going into the bison pasture. Bison have wandered onto the trail, blocking the exit. Be prepared to <span style="color:#e67e22;">wait</span> or <span style="color:#27ae60;">detour off-trail</span>.

🗓 winter, spring, summer, fall

Build a loop

Connect the dots

Plan smart, verify on site

Length, elevation, and difficulty are estimates derived from open data (NPS Public Trails GIS, medium confidence) — not a safety guarantee. Conditions change; check current closures, weather, and water, and carry the essentials. Always defer to NPS.gov and park rangers.

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