Scotts Bluff National Monument Tours and Activities

Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism


Drive to scenic viewpoints, review interesting exhibits and hike along trails well-trodden by American pioneers on their way west in the 1800s.

Rocky giants pockmark the flat basin of the Scotts Bluff National Monument, named for a dying pioneer abandoned amid these barren bluffs in western Nebraska. The rugged lands of the park presented major obstacles on the trails of westward expansion. Rise to the summits for serene trails and views of the mountains and river valley.

Drive along roads meandering through tumultuous terrain in this 3,000-acre (1,200-hectare) park. Observe awe-inspiring geological formations as you go. Dark and light horizontal lines run along the rocks, revealing their geological history.

At Mitchell Pass gaze up at jagged bluffs. Telegraph poles were set up here in the 1860s between Sentinel Rock and Eagle Rock.

A little southeast stands the Oregon Trail Museum and Visitor Center, created in the 1930s. Learn from the History Room’s exhibits about pioneers who helped build this country. View paintings and sketches in the Jackson Room and displays about the terrain in the Landmark Room. The visitor center also has a gift shop and a theater with a slide presentation.

Travel to the top of the Summit Road for a stunning panorama. You can also ride the shuttle bus and hike down Saddle Rock Trail. Expect a chill at higher climbs. Meet rangers dressed in period costume and discuss westward expansion.

Consider the rich history of this rolling terrain, initially explored by Sioux Indians, who hunted buffalo here. Later, the area became an integral landmark on the Oregon Trail, California Trail and Pony Express.

There is a per-vehicle fee to enter the park, with discounts for motorcyclists, bike riders and walkers. The park is open daily from morning until late afternoon.

The Scotts Bluff National Monument straddles the western edge of Gering in southwestern Nebraska. Drive northeast from Denver for 200 miles (300 kilometers) to get here in about 3 hours.

Make sure to see other parks in the region, such as the Pawnee National Grassland, Nebraska National Forest and Medicine Bow National Forest.

Popular places to visit


Top Scotts Bluff National Monument Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsbluff Conference Center
Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsbluff Conference Center
2.5 out of 5
301 W Highway 26, Scottsbluff, NE
Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsbluff Conference Center
Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Gering/Scottsbluff
Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Gering/Scottsbluff
2.5 out of 5
960 M Street, Gering, NE
Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Gering/Scottsbluff
Econo Lodge
Econo Lodge
2 out of 5
2202 Delta Dr, Scottsbluff, NE
Econo Lodge
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Scottsbluff-Gering, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Scottsbluff-Gering, an IHG Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1821 Frontage Rd, Scottsbluff, NE
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Scottsbluff-Gering, an IHG Hotel
Capri Motel
Capri Motel
2 out of 5
2424 Avenue I, Scottsbluff, NE
Capri Motel
Arcadia Hotel
Arcadia Hotel
2 out of 5
3655 North 10th Street, Gering, NE
Arcadia Hotel
Powerhouse on Broadway
Powerhouse on Broadway
2 out of 5
1721 Broadway, Scottsbluff, NE
Powerhouse on Broadway
The Castle Inn
The Castle Inn
2.5 out of 5
606 E 27th St, Scottsbluff, NE
The Castle Inn
Tasteful four-bedroom, three-bathroom home in Scottsbluff is ready for you!
Tasteful four-bedroom, three-bathroom home in Scottsbluff is ready for you!
Scottsbluff
Tasteful four-bedroom, three-bathroom home in Scottsbluff is ready for you!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.