Scotts Bluff National Monument
National Monument ยท Nebraska
NPS Photo / Wesley Gant
National Park Service site in Nebraska, US
Scotts Bluff National Monument is located west of the city of Gering in western Nebraska, United States. This National Park Service site protects over 3,000 acres of historic overland trail remnants, mixed-grass prairie, rugged badlands, towering bluffs and riparian area along the North Platte River. The park boasts over 100,000 annual visitors.
About Scotts Bluff National Monument
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.
Park Photos
Activities
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.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrise to Sunset | Sunrise to Sunset | Sunrise to Sunset | Sunrise to Sunset | Sunrise to Sunset | Sunrise to Sunset | Sunrise to Sunset |
Scotts Bluff Summit Road
The Scotts Bluff Summit Road is a 1.6-mile drive to the summit of Scotts Bluff. Be aware that the road may close periodically due to weather conditions or rockslides. For the latest Summit Road conditions contact Scotts Bluff National Monument at (308) 436-9700. Entry by motorized vehicles during the fall/winter/spring seasons (September through late-May) is permitted from 9 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00AM - 5:30PM | 9:00AM - 5:30PM | 9:00AM - 5:30PM | 9:00AM - 5:30PM | 9:00AM - 5:30PM | 9:00AM - 5:30PM | 9:00AM - 5:30PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Scotts Bluff National Monument?
Scotts Bluff National Monument is free to enter.
What are the best activities at Scotts Bluff National Monument?
Popular activities at Scotts Bluff National Monument include: Arts and Culture, Cultural Demonstrations, Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Biking, Food, Picnicking, Guided Tours.
What is the weather like at Scotts Bluff National Monument?
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.
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 Highway 26 or Nebraska Highway 92, should follow the National Park Service signs.
Entrance Fees
Free Admission
Weather
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.
Directions
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.
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Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in Nebraska
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