Scotts Bluff National Monument

Conestoga wagon in front of Eagle Rock
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.

Quick Facts

State Nebraska
Designation National Monument
State Code NE
Weather 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…

Location & Map

Scotts Bluff National Monument is located in Nebraska.

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.

Wednesday Sunrise to Sunset
Monday Sunrise to Sunset
Thursday Sunrise to Sunset
Sunday Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday Sunrise to Sunset
Friday Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday Sunrise to Sunset

Activities

Arts and Culture Cultural Demonstrations Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Biking Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hiking Backcountry Hiking Front-Country Hiking Living History Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

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

Address 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE, 69341
Phone 3084369700

Topics & Themes

Arts Painting Photography Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Forts Great Depression Monuments and Memorials Native American Heritage Westward Expansion Animals Birds Fossils and Paleontology Geology Grasslands Prairies River and Riparian Rock Landscapes and Features Scenic Views Trails

Things To Do

Backcountry Hiking South Bluff

Backcountry Hiking South Bluff

Backcountry hiking on South Bluff is difficult and should only be attempted by experienced hikers. Please check in with the…

There are no marked walking or hiking trails on South Bluff. It is accessible only by means of a steep…

Stamp Your Passport Book

Stamp Your Passport Book

Stamp your "Passport to Your National Parks" book in the Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center!

Stamp your "Passport to Your National Parks" book!

Viewing the William Henry Jackson Collection

Viewing the William Henry Jackson Collection

A selection of the Scotts Bluff National Monument collection of the works of William Henry Jackson is displayed in the…

View a portion of the Scotts Bluff National Monument collection of the works of artist William Henry Jackson. 

Hiking Scotts Bluff National Monument

Hiking Scotts Bluff National Monument

There are nearly four miles of hiking trails at Scotts Bluff National Monument. There is a trail for every ability.

Scotts Bluff Cell Phone Audio Tour

Scotts Bluff Cell Phone Audio Tour

The Scotts Bluff National Monument Cell Phone Audio Tour is a great way to learn more about the natural and…

You may walk to the various stops on the cell phone tour to get a better view of the scene…

Enjoy a Picnic at Scotts Bluff

Enjoy a Picnic at Scotts Bluff

Enjoy a picnic at Scotts Bluff National Monument

Enjoy a picnic at one of the monument's three picnic tables. Each is located under a shelter to provide a…

Visitor Centers

Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center

Located just steps away from the route of the Oregon, California, and Pony Express Trails; the Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center features exhibits, a…

Hours: Scotts Bluff National Monument is located in the Mountain Time Zone

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