|
Cedar Bluff Reservoir
|
Cedar Bluff Reservoir - Photo by Troy Brown
|
Panoramic views from the tall limestone bluffs on the south
shore are breathtaking. Campers are often serenaded by yapping coyotes in the night. |
During fall and spring migrations, the lake is home to many kinds of ducks, geese, and
shorebirds. Throughout the winter, Canada geese are seen on the former fish hatchery ponds
located below the dam. Winter also draws bald eagles to Cedar Bluff. Look for them from
the road across the dam. During summer, hawks and turkey vultures soar effortlessly for
hours on thermals created by the dam. A good viewing spot is the hilltop adjoining the
south end of the dam.
A visit to Cedar Bluff should include a driving tour of the Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area
at the western end of the reservoir. If muddy, the roads may be impassable without 4-wheel
drive. Wildlife sightings can include both mule deer and white-tailed deer. Also watch for
eastern cottontails, black-tailed jackrabbits, and the large stick nests of the eastern
wood rats. Summer birds include black-billed magpies, rock wrens, and Bell's vireos.
During winter, hawks take advantage of the rodent populations in the surrounding prairie.
Watch for red-tailed hawks, ferruginous hawks, northern harriers, prairie falcons, and
American kestrels. At dusk watch for long-eared owls and the moth-like flight of
short-eared owls as they swoop low over the prairie searching for prey. Wild turkeys are
often seen. Check chalk outcrops and gravel areas around the reservoir for fossils.
 | User fee, Water available, Restrooms, Boat Ramps, Showers, Shelter houses, Cabins. |
 121 utility
campsites. Primitive camping allowed. 6
Cabins (make a reservation
online).
Discover what to see, eat and do in Kansas.
Plan your trip today, at TravelKS.com!
 Threshing
Machine Canyon Trail, 1 mile loop
Click the icon to find a birding list for Trego County.
Click the icon to locate nearby Geocaches
|
 |
Directions: From
exit 135 on I-70 (25 miles west of Hays), travel 13.1 miles south on K-147 to the turnoff
to the main office and campground. If you're visiting Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area, be sure
to pick up a map at the office. The best parts of the wildlife area are on the southwest
side of the lake. For a Google Map of this site,
click here. |
Ownership: The
entities responsible for management of Cedar Bluff are below.
Contact them if you have specific questions about use or management of the site.
US
Bureau of Reclamation (785) 726-4745; 17,600 acres
Click here to visit their web site.
Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks
& Tourism (785)
726-3212
Click here to visit the
KDWPT web page for Cedar Bluff State Park.
You may download the KDWPT brochure on Cedar Bluff
State Park or email the Park Manager from the links
at the top of that
page.
Get the Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area brochure
here.
|
Funded by the
Chickadee Checkoff Program
Click here for a brochure! |
The Natural
Kansas web site
© 2011
by
the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks
& Tourism.
Re-publication of site content in any form other than for personal use
requires written permission. If you are a Kansas resident, please
assist with this and other wildlife viewing and conservation programs
by contributing to the Chickadee Checkoff on your state tax form. |
Questions or comments about Natural Kansas may be directed to
Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism
|
