Photo of the Week: Monument Rocks
- Andrea LaRayne Etzel
- Jun 1, 2025
- 1 min read
Each week, I share an image I've captured along my travels and about the photograph's context.
My first visit to Monument Rocks was in 2016, when I stopped during a solo road trip through Western Kansas. This road trip also included Castle Rock, Arikaree Breaks, Lake Scott, and Big Basin.
About Monument Rocks
Monument Rocks are formations composed of Niobrara Chalk, the last remnants of the Western Interior Sea that once covered Kansas millions of years ago. Located in the heart of Gove County, these towering limestone formations reach up to 70 feet high, etched by time, wind, and water into arches, spires, and massive buttes. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, Monument Rocks offers a surreal, almost otherworldly experience.
Getting the Image
The image was captured in mid-April, when much of western Kansas is still dormant. The terrain around the chalk formations is rugged. Using Google Maps, I knew sunset was when I wanted to capture the golden light on the formations. The warmer tones of the rocks were enhanced by the sun.
Personal Field Note
If these rocks could talk, or the stories they could tell.
LOCATION
Monument Rocks Gove County, Kansas
CAMERA SETTINGS
Nikon D7100
Lens: 24mm
ISO: 560
F stop: 11
Shutter Speed: 200
ANOTHER SHOT FOR THIS TRIP
I didn't realize the Niobrara Chalk formations are 70 feet high! Since I'm busy with my playlist duration calculator tasks, I'll have to save this for a future road trip. Does anyone know the best time for YouTube playlist hours?
Read "Photo of the Week: Monument Rocks" a moment ago, and the examples made the message feel very concrete. The part around uni-1 guide really stood out to me. I will revisit this post again.
The Niobrara Chalk formations at Monument Rocks look incredible, especially with that golden sunset light on the limestone arches and spires. It's fascinating that these are the last remnants of the Western Interior Sea in Gove County. If you're looking to label images like this for your site, SubtitleOps could be useful.
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Viendo esta foto de Monument Rocks, me acuerdo de cuando dividí una imagen en 6 partes para Instagram, ¡qué recuerdos! Me encantaría visitar Monument Rocks en Gove County, Kansas y capturar las formaciones de Niobrara Chalk; viendo la puesta del sol ahí durante mi viaje mañanero creo que lo haría perfecto para mis proyectos creativos, ¿no crees? split image into 6 parts