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Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
EasyGrass

Cactus Ridge

Hays, Kansas · Ellis County

Cactus Ridge is a easy hiking trail near Hays in Ellis County, Kansas.. The surface is grass. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

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38.89043, -99.30286
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Cactus Ridge

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High106°F
Avg Low77°F
Peak Rain Chance15%
Humidity43%
UV (avg)8
Air Quality43 · Good
Today
Partly Cloudy
107°/74°
🌬 19mph
6:33 AM8:54 PM
Mon
☁️
Overcast
111°/79°
💧 2%🌬 21mph
6:34 AM8:53 PM
Tue
🌦
Rain Showers
104°/78°
💧 8%🌬 18mph
6:35 AM8:52 PM
Wed
🌦
Light Drizzle
107°/77°
💧 8%🌬 16mph
6:35 AM8:51 PM
Thu
🌦
Drizzle
102°/79°
💧 15%🌬 12mph
6:36 AM8:50 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Cactus Ridge

Cactus Ridge is a easy hiking trail near Hays in Ellis County, Kansas.. The surface is grass. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Easy” Means

Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
    Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
  • 🩳
    Light shorts/skirt
    Loose-fit, breathable.
  • 🧢
    Wide-brimmed sun hat
    Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
  • 🕶
    Polarized sunglasses
    Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 8)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Kansas

Trail conditions in Kansas change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Cactus Ridge?

Cactus Ridge is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.

What is the trail surface on Cactus Ridge?

The surface is grass. Plan footwear accordingly.

When is the best time to hike Cactus Ridge?

Kansas has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.