Park Hours (Today)
Sunrise to Sunset
Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center: 8:00AM - 6:00PM
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About the Park
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.
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What to See & Do
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.
Drive the Scotts Bluff Summit Road
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 feet (7.6 meters) and/or higher than 11 feet 7 inches (3.53 meters) are prohibited. All trailers are prohibited.
Scotts Bluff Ranger Programs
Learn more about Scotts Bluff National Monument by attending a ranger-guided program!
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!
Become a Scotts Bluff Junior Ranger
Earn your Scotts Bluff National Monument Junior Ranger badge!
Self-Guided Tours
Oregon Trail Pathway Audio Tour
Learn more about how emigrants travelled the emigrant trail through Scotts Bluff National Monument on this 1 mile long (round-trip) hike of the Oregon Trail Pathway. While some sections of the trail are paved, others have a natural surface. Be aware of uneven and slippery surfaces.
Saddle Rock Audio Tour
Learn more about the prairie ecosystem and geology of Scotts Bluff National Monument on this 1.6 mile long (one way) walking tour of the Saddle Rock Trail.
Saddle Rock Geology Hiking Tour
The Saddle Rock Trail, a 1.6 mile paved trail with 435 of elevation change, features the most accessible exposures of the Arikaree and White River Groups in western Nebraska. A wide variety of sedimentary structures, diagenetic features, trace fossils, and volcaniclastic sediments can be seen along the trail. This tour is based upon the Geological Society of America Centennial Field Guide, North-Central Section developed in 1987 by James B. Swimehart and David B. Loope.
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 theater, and restroom facilities. The visitor center is located in the Mountain Time Zone.
Parking & Access
Getting Here
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.
Official NPS directionsParking Lots
Scotts Bluff Summit Parking Area
The Scotts Bluff Summit Parking Area is reached via the Scotts Bluff Summit Road and is therefore only accessible when the Summit Road is open to vehicular traffic. It has space for 26 cars or small trucks. Two of the parking spaces are accessible.
Open in Maps
Visitor Center Parking Lot
The Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center parking lot has space for 27 cars or small trucks. Two of these spaces are accessible. There is additional parking for 27 cars or small trucks at the adjacent picnic area. One of these spaces is accessible. There are nine parking spots for oversize vehicles at the east end of the parking lot near the picnic area.
Open in MapsGetting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
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.
Park Amenities
Operating Hours
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.
- MondaySunrise to Sunset
- TuesdaySunrise to Sunset
- WednesdaySunrise to Sunset
- ThursdaySunrise to Sunset
- FridaySunrise to Sunset
- SaturdaySunrise to Sunset
- SundaySunrise to Sunset
Photos
A pink sky and dramatic bluff are seen reflected in water.
A colorful hot air balloon is seen in the distance with the Scotts Bluff entrance sign.
The distinctive rock formations of Mitchell Pass glow with early morning light.
A unique rock formation is seen above a layer of clouds.
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
Year-round
Trip Length
1 day
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