We took another trip south on Hwy. 283 on the Smoky Valley Scenic Byway to check on the wildflowers. They're awesome. The Blackeyed Susans are blooming now along with the upright prairie coneflowers and purple bee balm.

Smoky Valley Scenic Byway

This photo was taken last year just south of the Smoky River bridge on Highway 283. Drive south of WaKeeney on the Smoky Valley Scenic Byway, past the bridge till you crest the hill and pull into the drive on the east side of the highway. Mexican Hats are the wildflowers blooming. They should be in full bloom in another week or two depending on the weather.

Upright Prairie Coneflowers

The Upright Prairie Coneflowers are a very common native wildflower in western Kansas.

Wildflowers are blooming!

The wildflower patch with the Main Street Nature Trail in the background, downtown WaKeeney.