There’s a place in Kansas where the prairie turns rust-red and the horizon forgets to end. The Red Hills—also known as the Gypsum Hills—aren’t your typical flatland. This stretch of rugged mesas, limestone canyons, and iron-rich soil ripples quietly across the south-central part of the state, mostly unbothered by tourists or time. And tucked deep within its folds are a series of secluded towns—like Sun City and Medicine Lodge—that haven’t bowed to convenience or hurry.
Here, isolation isn’t a curse; it’s a character. You’ll find ghost towns like Aetna, where the only chatter comes from wind through dried grass, or ranching outposts like Lake City, where the silence is broken by cattle calls and cicadas. These places don’t sell a fantasy—they simply go on being real. The roads are long and the skies are wide, and if you’re lucky, you’ll leave with a new sense of what distance and quiet can teach.
The Red Hills get their name from the iron-rich layers of Permian shale that tint the earth a deep crimson—especially at sunset, when the land seems to smolder rather than glow. If you crave less noise and more horizon, this is your map.
10. Remote Escapes in Comanche County’s Prairie
Comanche County’s prairie is a haven for solitude seekers, with its vast open lands and minimal human habitation. The area is home to small unincorporated communities and isolated ranches, where the population is sparse, often counting just a handful of residents. Here, you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of the rolling prairies, admire the stunning red hills, and enjoy activities like bird watching, hiking, and photography.
The main industry revolves around agriculture and cattle ranching, maintaining the deep-rooted connection to the land. What makes Comanche County especially secluded is its expansive landscapes with miles of unbroken prairie, offering unobstructed views of the horizon and star-studded night skies. It’s the perfect place for those looking to disconnect from urban life and reconnect with nature in its purest form.
Where is Comanche County?
Comanche County is located in the southwestern part of Kansas, bordering Oklahoma. Its seclusion stems from its remote location, far from major highways and urban centers, nestled deep within the Red Hills region. Accessing the area typically involves traveling along scenic but less-traveled state roads, offering a peaceful journey through the countryside. The best way to get there is to drive west from Wichita or north from Oklahoma City, embracing the gradual transition from cityscape to unspoiled prairie land.
9. The Quiet Solace of Barber County’s Open Lands
Barber County, with a population of just over 4,800 spread across its vast territory, offers an abundance of open spaces and a serene environment. The small towns and rural communities here are surrounded by the natural beauty of the Red Hills, providing ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore hiking trails, observe wildlife, and enjoy panoramic vistas.
Agriculture and ranching are the primary industries, sustaining the local economy and preserving the county’s rustic charm. The area’s low population density and expansive landscapes contribute to its secluded feel, allowing visitors and residents alike to experience a slower pace of life. The quiet solace found in Barber County’s open lands makes it an ideal spot for those seeking peace and a connection to the great outdoors.
Where is Barber County?
Located in south-central Kansas, Barber County sits along the Oklahoma border, within the heart of the Red Hills region. Its seclusion is enhanced by the rolling terrain and the absence of major urban developments, creating a buffer from the noise and rush of city life. The county is accessible via U.S. Route 281 and U.S. Route 160, which weave through the picturesque landscapes. Travelers can reach Barber County by driving southwest from Wichita, enjoying the transition from flat plains to the undulating red hills that define the area.
8. Hidden Trails Near Medicine Lodge River
The areas surrounding the Medicine Lodge River are dotted with secluded spots and small communities that offer a peaceful escape. With populations often less than a few hundred, these locales provide intimate settings to explore the meandering river, fish, or simply enjoy the scenic red hill backdrops.
The river corridor is rich with history and natural beauty, perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife observation. Agriculture remains the mainstay, with farming and cattle ranching supporting the local way of life. The hidden trails and quiet banks along the Medicine Lodge River create a secluded atmosphere, far removed from the demands of modern life.
Where is the Medicine Lodge River?
The Medicine Lodge River flows through Barber and Comanche counties in south-central Kansas, carving its way through the Red Hills. Its secluded nature is due to the rural surroundings and minimal development along its course. Access points are often via unpaved county roads or hiking trails that lead to the riverbanks. To reach this tranquil area, visitors can travel southwest from Wichita or northeast from Oklahoma City, making their way to small towns like Medicine Lodge that serve as gateways to the river’s hidden treasures.
7. The Undisturbed Beauty of Mingona Township
Mingona Township, with a population of fewer than 100 residents, epitomizes the definition of seclusion in the Red Hills. The vast stretches of undisturbed land provide a serene environment where nature thrives and human impact is minimal. Outdoor activities include hiking through the red hills, bird watching, and stargazing under some of the darkest skies in Kansas.
The township’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with local farms and ranches maintaining the open landscapes. Mingona Township’s sparse population and natural barriers like the rolling hills offer privacy and a quiet, unhurried lifestyle.
Where is Mingona Township?
Located in Barber County, Mingona Township sits to the northwest of Medicine Lodge. Its seclusion is accentuated by its distance from major highways and cities, nestled among the rugged terrain of the Red Hills. Accessing Mingona Township typically involves traveling on lesser-known county roads that wind through the scenic countryside. Visitors can reach the area by driving west from Wichita, taking in the gradual changes from urban sprawl to rural serenity.
6. Solitude in Hazelton Township
Hazelton Township is a quiet corner of Barber County with a population hovering around 200 people. The township offers vast tracts of undisturbed land where the red hues of the Kansas landscape paint a picturesque scene. Activities include exploring the open prairies, enjoying the abundant wildlife, and experiencing the tranquility that comes with minimal human presence.
Agriculture and cattle ranching are the main industries, contributing to the region’s rustic and authentic feel. The solitude found in Hazelton Township is amplified by its wide-open spaces and the gentle rolling hills that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Where is Hazelton Township?
Situated in the southeastern corner of Barber County, Hazelton Township borders the state of Oklahoma. Its seclusion arises from its remote location and the limited number of access roads, making it a peaceful retreat from busier locales. The township can be reached via U.S. Route 281, but travelers should be prepared for a journey through quiet countryside. From Wichita, it’s a drive southward through scenic landscapes, further emphasizing the transition from city life to rural calm.
5. Peaceful Plains of Elm Mills Township
Elm Mills Township is home to approximately 150 residents, offering a secluded haven amid the rolling red hills and expansive skies of the Red Hills region. The area is characterized by large acreages and minimal development, providing ample space for outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the natural beauty of the gypsum hills.
Agriculture is the backbone of the local economy, with farming and ranching operations dotting the landscape. What makes Elm Mills Township particularly secluded is its low population density and the vast open spaces that create a sense of tranquility and solitude.
Where is Elm Mills Township?
Located in the central part of Barber County, Elm Mills Township lies northwest of Medicine Lodge. Its secluded nature is due to its off-the-beaten-path location, away from major highways and urban centers. The township is accessible via county roads that traverse the scenic countryside, offering a peaceful drive through the heart of the Red Hills. To reach Elm Mills Township, visitors can head west from Wichita, passing through small towns and enjoying the gradual immersion into Kansas’ rural landscapes.
4. Remote Retreat at Aetna Ghost Town
Aetna, once a thriving community, is now a ghost town enveloped by the natural beauty of the Red Hills. With no permanent residents, it offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the remnants of a bygone era. Visitors can wander through the old town site, discovering the history and stories that shaped the area.
The surrounding landscapes provide a stunning backdrop of red hills and open skies, perfect for photography and quiet contemplation. Aetna’s seclusion is palpable, with the silence only broken by the sounds of nature, making it an ideal spot for history buffs and solitude seekers alike.
Where is Aetna?
Aetna is located in northeastern Barber County, not far from the town of Lake City. Its secluded status results from its abandonment and the remote location within the Red Hills. Access to Aetna is via unpaved county roads that may require careful navigation, especially in adverse weather conditions. To visit Aetna, travelers should plan their route from Medicine Lodge or other nearby towns, prepared for a journey into the less-explored corners of Kansas.
3. The Quiet Beauty of Gyp Hills Ranchlands
The Gyp Hills ranchlands are a stunning expanse of private ranches and open land, embodying the serene beauty of Kansas’ Red Hills. With a sparse population, the area provides a peaceful retreat where visitors can enjoy scenic drives, horseback riding, and explore the unique gypsum formations that give the region its name.
The main industry is cattle ranching, with generations of families maintaining the land and preserving its natural state. The Gyp Hills’ seclusion comes from its vast, privately-owned properties and limited public access, ensuring that the landscapes remain unspoiled and tranquil.
Where are the Gyp Hills Ranchlands?
Located primarily within Barber County, the Gyp Hills (short for Gypsum Hills) stretch across south-central Kansas. Their seclusion is enhanced by the network of private roads and properties that limit access, preserving the area’s pristine condition. Visitors can explore certain parts via the Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway, which offers breathtaking views of the red gypsum hills and valleys. To get there, travelers can drive southwest from Wichita, following U.S. Route 160 through Medicine Lodge and into the heart of the Gyp Hills.
2. Serenity in Lake City’s Open Vistas
Lake City is a small unincorporated community with a population of around 50 residents, offering expansive prairie views and rolling red hills. The town provides a peaceful environment away from urban centers, where visitors can enjoy bird watching, hiking, and experiencing the simplicity of rural life.
Agriculture and ranching are the primary industries, contributing to the town’s quiet and laid-back atmosphere. Lake City’s seclusion is evident in its small population and the vastness of the surrounding landscapes, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle.
Where is Lake City?
Lake City is situated in Barber County, approximately 17 miles northwest of Medicine Lodge. Its secluded nature is due to its remote location and the minimal traffic that passes through the area. Access is primarily via county roads, with State Highway 281 being the nearest major route. To reach Lake City, visitors can travel west from Wichita and then navigate the scenic byways that lead into the heart of the Red Hills, embracing the journey as part of the overall experience.
1. The Hidden Hamlet of Sun City
Sun City is an unincorporated community with an approximate population of 53 people, nestled deep within the Red Hills. Surrounded by unique gypsum landscapes and sparse habitation, it offers a tranquil charm that is hard to find elsewhere.
Activities in and around Sun City include exploring the natural springs, hiking the red hills, and enjoying the peace that comes with such a secluded location. The main industries are centered around agriculture and ranching, reflecting the community’s deep connection to the land. Sun City’s seclusion is amplified by its small population and the encompassing natural beauty, making it a hidden gem in Kansas.
Where is Sun City?
Sun City is located in Barber County, southeast of Medicine Lodge along the banks of the Medicine Lodge River. Its secluded position is due to its location off the main highways and the rugged terrain that surrounds it. Access to Sun City is via county roads that wind through the red hills and across the prairie. To get there, travelers can journey south from Wichita, then west through Medicine Lodge, savoring the scenic drive into the heart of the Red Hills and discovering this hidden hamlet along the way.
