National Monument

Scotts Bluff National Monument

Midwest

About Scotts Bluff

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.

From the National Park Service.

Region: Midwest
State: Nebraska
Designation: National Monument
Entrance fee: None listed

Trail data for this park is still being added.
Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Scotts Bluff.

Entrance fees

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.

Hours

Mon: Sunrise to Sunset
Tue: Sunrise to Sunset
Wed: Sunrise to Sunset
Thu: Sunrise to Sunset
Fri: Sunrise to Sunset
Sat: Sunrise to Sunset
Sun: Sunrise to Sunset

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.

Weather and when to go

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.

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address: 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE 69341
Phone: (308) 436-9700
Email: scbl_ranger_activities@nps.gov
Official site: nps.gov/scbl

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Scotts Bluff

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.

Things to do in Scotts Bluff

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

Viewing the William Henry Jackson Collection

Arts and Culture · about 25 min

A selection of the Scotts Bluff National Monument collection of the works of William Henry Jackson is displayed in the monument visitor center.
Drive the Scotts Bluff Summit Road

Scenic Driving · about 35 min

A 1.6 mile drive from the Scotts Bluff Visitor Center Parking Lot to the summit of Scotts Bluff. This drive features scenic views and interesting geology. Vehicles longer than 25…
Scotts Bluff Ranger Programs

Guided Tours · about 30 min

Learn more about Scotts Bluff National Monument by attending a ranger-guided program!
Backcountry Hiking South Bluff

Backcountry Hiking · about 1.7 hours

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

Shopping · about 15 min

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

Front-Country Hiking · about 2 hours

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

Self-Guided Tours - Walking · about 55 min

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 T…
Enjoy a Picnic at Scotts Bluff

Picnicking · about 40 min

Enjoy a picnic at Scotts Bluff National Monument
Bicycling at Scotts Bluff National Monument

Road Biking · about 50 min

Bicycling can be a great way to experience Scotts Bluff National Monument. There are two locations in the monument where bicycling is permitted: the Prairie View Trail, and the Su…