Scotts Bluff National Monument - National Park Directory

Thousands of covered wagons rolled by Eagle Rock in the mid nineteenth century.

A pink sky and dramatic bluff are seen reflected in water.

Scotts Bluff as seen from the north side of the North Platte River

A colorful hot air balloon is seen in the distance with the Scotts Bluff entrance sign.

A hot air balloon is seen at the east entrance to Scotts Bluff National Monument.

The distinctive rock formations of Mitchell Pass glow with early morning light.

Early morning is a great time to explore Scotts Bluff National Monument.

A unique rock formation is seen above a layer of clouds.

An inversion creates the feeling of walking on the clouds at the summit of Scotts Bluff.

Photos: National Park Service

About Scotts Bluff National Monument

Towering 800 feet above the North Platte River, Scotts Bluff has served as a landmark for peoples from Native Americans to emigrants on the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails to modern travelers. Rich with geological and paleontological history as well as human history, there is much to discover while exploring the 3,000 acres of Scotts Bluff National Monument.

Plan a Visit

NPS DesignationNational Monument

Park State / Territory MembershipNebraska

Current Alerts0

Visitor Centers1

Campgrounds0

Things To Do11

Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.

Weather & Conditions

Summers at Scotts Bluff are generally dry and high temperatures are usually in the 80's and 90's, although they can reach above 100 on occasion. Hikers are strongly advised to carry water. Winter daytime temperatures are usually in the 40's or low 50's, with overnight lows below freezing and, on…

NPS Reference Location

Park state / territory membership: Nebraska. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.

Operating Hours

Scotts Bluff National Monument is located in the Mountain Time Zone. These hours are for the grounds, picnic area, and trails only. The hours for the Visitor Center and Summit Road are different. See below for Summit Road and Visitor Center hours.

FridaySunrise to Sunset

MondaySunrise to Sunset

SaturdaySunrise to Sunset

SundaySunrise to Sunset

ThursdaySunrise to Sunset

TuesdaySunrise to Sunset

WednesdaySunrise to Sunset

Activities

Arts and CultureCultural DemonstrationsAuto and ATVScenic DrivingBikingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingLiving HistoryJunior Ranger ProgramPark FilmMuseum Exhibits

Getting There

Visitors traveling east-west on Interstate 80 can exit at Kimball, Nebraska and drive 45 miles north on Nebraska Highway 71. Follow National Park Service signs three miles west of Gering, Nebraska to Old Oregon Trail Road. Turn west onto Old Oregon Trail Road and follow it approximately 2 miles to the monument visitor center on the right. Visitors travelling along the North Platte River using US Highway 26 or Nebraska Highway 92, should follow the National Park Service signs.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.

NPS-Listed Address190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE, 69341

Phone3084369700

Emailscbl_ranger_activities@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

ArtsPaintingPhotographyBurial, Cemetery and GravesiteFortsGreat DepressionMonuments and MemorialsNative American HeritageWestward ExpansionAnimalsBirdsFossils and PaleontologyGeologyGrasslandsPrairiesRiver and Riparian