El Dorado Lake
The horse and hiking trail at El Dorado Lake has a trailhead located at Boulder Bluff on the north shore of El Dorado Reservoir. The trailhead is well marked with a large sign. The trail travels along the shoreline of the lake through tall bluestem prairie grass. Being a part of the prairie there are very few trees around. Various wildflowers bloom through the spring, summer and fall all along the trail.
You may see a red-tailed hawk soaring overhead. In winter watch for bald eagles perched on the dead timber in the lake. Ducks and geese are often seen on the lake as well. Occasionally a covey of quail or a ring-necked pheasant may fly up out of the tall grass as you ride or walk along. You may hear the meadowlark sing his lovely song from the tall grass. Red-winged black birds live in the coves around the lake. The doves fly overhead or coo from the few trees along the trail.
Frogs leap into the water as you pass. A fish may leap out of the water and make a splash as it falls back into the lake. El Dorado Reservoir has been stocked with a variety of sport fish including walleye, large and small mouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie and bluegill. Other species include flathead catfish, white crappie, white bass, bullhead, drum and carp.
Keep your eyes open for signs of where beavers have been at work around the lake. A rabbit may scurry away in the the grass. A box turtle may wander slowly along the trail. In the late evening beware of a skunk that may be out for an evening stroll.
Only short segments of the trail are shaded. The remainder of the trail crosses open, relatively flat prairie. The most striking features include the views of the reservoir to be seen from most parts of the trail and the spectacular Kansas skies, which provide a constantly changing backdrop. The Kansas skies offer clouds of different shapes and formations. Late evening is an excellent time for summer riding or hiking. A late evening ride or hike gives one a great opportunity to watch the colorful sunsets over the water. The cool breezes from the lake make for a delightful summer ride or walk.
From the Boulder Bluff trailhead the twelve-mile loop is mowed and well-defined. The east side follows the shore to the dam where it crosses the park road. This section parallels west along the railroad tracks to continue below the dam where it makes a one-mile loop. One may return to the campground along the shoreline trail for follow the railroad tracks back to the campground making the trip back quicker. There are several crossovers to make the trail as long or as short as the traveler desires it to be.
Overnight horse camping is permitted at Boulder Bluff. There are poles in camp for cross tying and there are tables and charcoal burners for food preparation, but no electrical or waste hookups are available. A pit toilet is located near the campsites and water faucets are located in the camping area. A shower house and flush toilets are located a short drive away in the state park.
(By Harriett Barber)
[Click on the thumbnail to see an enlarged version of the map.
[Directions to the lake and trailhead will be added soon.]
El Dorado Lake Coordinator:
Harriett Barber, 16497 SW State Road 254, Benton, Ks. 67017--1-316-778-1038
