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Conestoga wagon in front of Eagle Rock Photo: NPS Photo / Wesley Gant

Scotts Bluff National Monument

National Monument · Nebraska

Plan your visit Directions
  • LocationGering, NE
  • Entrance No fee listed
  • HoursDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
  • Weather now83°F Sunny
  • Alerts No active alerts

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.

Topics
  • Animals
  • Arts
  • Birds
  • Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
  • Forts
  • Fossils and Paleontology
  • Geology
  • Grasslands
11 more topics
  • Great Depression
  • Monuments and Memorials
  • Native American Heritage
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Prairies
  • River and Riparian
  • Rock Landscapes and Features
  • Scenic Views
  • Trails
  • Westward Expansion
A pink sky and dramatic bluff are seen reflected in water.
Scotts Bluff as seen from the north side of the North Platte River — NPS/Brian Poffenberger

Things to Do

11 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.

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All 18 activities in the park

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Facilities & Services

Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.

Other Visitor Services

  • The Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center

    Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center

    Facility

    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…

    190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE (308) 436-9700 Directions

    Details
    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.

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Daily, Sunrise to Sunset · Scotts Bluff National Monument

Hours by area (2)
  • Scotts Bluff National MonumentDaily, Sunrise to Sunset

    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
  • Scotts Bluff Summit RoadDaily, 9:00AM - 5:30PM

    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.

    Monday9:00AM - 5:30PM
    Tuesday9:00AM - 5:30PM
    Wednesday9:00AM - 5:30PM
    Thursday9:00AM - 5:30PM
    Friday9:00AM - 5:30PM
    Saturday9:00AM - 5:30PM
    Sunday9:00AM - 5:30PM

Entrance fees

No entrance fees listed.

Address

190276 Old Oregon Trail
Gering, NE 69341

Get directions Map & directions info

Contact the park

Weather & conditions

83°F
Sunny · feels like 73°
  • Today 84° 45°
    Sunny
    2% rain
  • Tomorrow 81° 52°
    Sunny
    1% rain
  • Sunday 78° 50°
    Sunny
    1% rain

Updated 13 min ago

What to expect by season

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.

Photos

  • A colorful hot air balloon is seen in the distance with the Scotts Bluff entrance sign.
    A hot air balloon is seen at the east entrance to Scotts Bluff National Monument. — NPS/Eric Grunwald
  • The distinctive rock formations of Mitchell Pass glow with early morning light.
  • A unique rock formation is seen above a layer of clouds.

Getting There

190276 Old Oregon Trail
Gering, NE 69341

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.

Full directions

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.

Get directions NPS directions Official NPS site

Mailing address: P.O. Box 27, Gering, NE 69341

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