battle canyon

This is well worth a stop!! We were driving and just happened to see the sign (on the highway just south of Scott State Park) and decided to check it out. We turned off, and there is a place to pick up a brochure and sign a guest book then it's just a short little drive up a dirt road. There is a monument and you can walk around and explore the canyon and the cave. We also walked up on the ridge where you can still see the remains of the rifle pits. We had so much fun here!! You can spend as little or as much time as you want. There are no restrooms or water. Afterwards went home and did a little research to get the rest of the story. So interesting for those who love history! We had never heard of this place. It should be advertised more!

Just off the road, this narrow canyon the Indians chose to have their 'last stand' looks innocent enough. The cave where the women and children were to be sheltered is not available unless you walk a bit. It;s worth the walk. Don't expect any facilities or refreshments.

If you get tired of the stench of the feed yards surrounding Scott City, Kansas, go out for a 20 minute drive to "Battle Canyon". It's located just before another nice attraction "Scott Lake Park" So you can make a great day out of both of these outdoor attractions. Keep an eye out for small makeshift signs that mark the turn to the canyon. Then drive up an unpaved road about a half mile and you'll see a monument marking the canyon. Park, hop out, and your probably the only party there. Exit the vehicle, walk a few yards and low and behold the canyon is below you. It is the sight of an Apache, US Cavalry battle. This Apache group had escaped from a reservation and was headed back out into the hills. The Apaches took up refuge in the Canyon. A US Cavalry battalion was sent to capture them. A battle ensued. A high ranking US Colonel was killed and the Apaches manage to escape in two parties across the Kansas Plains. Refer to the monument scripts for better details on the event.The Canyon, while offering a cool view from atop is an awesome place to hike into. Not to steep at all to get down, not a lot of low vegetation ( I was there on a 70 degree January day). A cool den that goes back about 200' is a nice visual, and a nice place to step into. Definitely says I'd like to return here for a picnic. Walking from the den through the canyon makes for a nice little hike. I came back to the den after about 20 minutes and then ran at a pretty good clip back up to the canyon's summit. Good exercise! A view from atop shows a big open circular area of the canyon that was said to house the Apaches horses and other worldly possessions before the attack. I think they had to leave most behind when they fled from the Cavalry.Thus makes for a great little outdoor adventure somewhere in an interesting terrain section of Kansas. Headed West about 10 minutes from the Canyon is Scott Lake Park, another really cool spot to visit. So take 83 North out of Scott City, then 95 West and you'll run into Battle Canyon! Have fun!