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…
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.
Photos
A Hot Air Balloon at the East Entrance to the Monument — NPS/Eric GrunwaldMitchell Pass bathed in Morning Light — NPS/Eric GrunwaldSaddle Rock rises above the Clouds — NPS/Robert WagnerScotts Bluff National Monument Entrance Sign — NPS Photo / Robert WagnerEagle Rock with Conestoga Wagon — NPS Photo / Wesley GantMitchell Pass — NPS PhotoDome Rock — NPS PhotoSaddle Rock — NPS PhotoLiving History at the Covered Wagon — NPS Photo / Lesley Gaunt
How to Get 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.
Heading to Scotts Bluff National Monument? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Scotts Bluff National Monument?
No central reservation system listed for Scotts Bluff National Monument. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/2929) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Scotts Bluff National Monument?
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 H…
How do I contact Scotts Bluff National Monument?
You can reach the park at phone: (308) 436-9700 or email: [email protected].