Scotts Bluff National Monument
NE
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.
Things To Do
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Backcountry Hiking South Bluff
Backcountry hiking on South Bluff is difficult and should only be attempted by experienced hikers. Please check in with the ranger at the visitor center.
Stamp Your Passport Book
Stamp your "Passport to Your National Parks" book in the Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center!
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 monument visitor center.
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
The Scotts Bluff National Monument Cell Phone Audio Tour is a great way to learn more about the natural and cultural history of this famous landmark on the Oregon and California Trails.
Enjoy a Picnic at Scotts Bluff
Enjoy a picnic at Scotts Bluff National Monument
Available Activities
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 carry water. Winter daytime temperatures are usually in the 40's or low 50's, with overnight lows below freezing and, on occasion, below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Although it can be windy any time of the year, spring is the windiest season.
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.
Plan Your Visit
Let Roamze help you plan the perfect trip to Scotts Bluff National Monument with AI-powered itineraries.
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Scotts Bluff National Monument
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.
Scotts Bluff Summit Road
The Scotts Bluff Summit Road is a 1.6-mile drive to the summit of Scotts Bluff. Be aware that the road may close periodically due to weather conditions or rockslides. For the latest Summit Road conditions contact Scotts Bluff National Monument at (308) 436-9700. Entry by motorized vehicles during the fall/winter/spring seasons (September through late-May) is permitted from 9 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time.
