Photo of the Week: Monument Rocks

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

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CAMERA SETTINGS

Nikon D7100

Lens: 24mm

ISO: 560

F stop: 11

Shutter Speed: 200

ANOTHER SHOT FOR THIS TRIP