Summer Road Trip Nebraska: Scotts Bluff National Monument

Once a trusted landmark for travelers on the Oregon Trail, Scotts Bluff National Monument is one of the lesser-known gems of the National Park System. As you’re driving west through the prairie grasslands and rolling hills, on a similar route to the one taken by thousands of people migrating west, the 800-foot landmark begins to take shape on the horizon. Upon approach, the towering natural landmark becomes more impressive and begs further exploration of the 3,000-acre park before visiting the many other landmarks and historic sites in the area.

Things to Do

• Drive or take a narrated shuttle ride to the top of Scotts Bluff. The 1.6-mile paved Summit Road winds to the top, passing through three man-made tunnels before reaching the overlooks and trailheads. Biking is allowed on the road when it’s closed to vehicular traffic.
• Explore the visitor center, a historic structure that was originally built between 1935 – 1949; a significant addition to the center was completed in 2020. Today, the three exhibit galleries include the largest collection of William Henry Jackson drawings and paintings.
• Discover the bluff’s geological story, which began over 33 million years ago, on a 3.2-mile (round trip) ranger-led hike along Saddle Rock Trail. Besides the unique geological features and natural processes that created the bluff, each tour also covers the local flora and fauna as well as the human history associated with area and the overland trails (Oregon Trail, California Trail, Pony Express Trail, and Mormon Trail).
• The park has nearly 4 miles of trails to hike and observe local wildlife at your own pace.

Travel Tip: The national monument is open from sunrise to sunset, but the Summit Road is only open to cars from 9:00am to 5:30pm, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you don’t arrive during those hours, you can bike or hike to the summit overlooks for amazing views of the surrounding rugged badlands with picturesque Chimney Rock off in the distance.

Wildlife Observation

The park is home to a fairly diverse number of species including amphibians, birds, invertebrates, and reptiles. The areas along the North Platte River are popular for birds visiting to feed and rest along their migration routes. Larger animals that you might see in the park and throughout Nebraska’s Panhandle include Pronghorn, Mule Deer, Prairie Rattlesnakes, Prairie Dogs, Red Fox, and Striped Skunk.