




Scotts Bluff National Monument
Nebraska
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.
About Scotts Bluff National Monument
Scotts Bluff National Monument is a national monument located in Nebraska. 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.
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.
π° Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Scotts Bluff is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
π₯Ύ Things to Do
Scotts Bluff National Monument offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Arts and Culture, Cultural Demonstrations, Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, and 14 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
π¦ Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Scotts Bluff
π Visitor Planning Tips for Scotts Bluff
- βBeat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Scotts Bluff before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- βVerify Conditions: Weather and trail accessibility inside Scotts Bluff can change rapidly. Always verify the latest road conditions and local weather advisories before starting your trek.
- βLeave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Scotts Bluff. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scotts Bluff
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer β National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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