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.
Photo: NPS Photo / Wesley Gant
Scotts Bluff National Monument
- LocationGering, NE
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
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Weather now83°F Sunny
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
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
Things to Do
11 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Bicycling at Scotts Bluff National Monument
Bicycling can be a great way to experience Scotts Bluff National Monument. There are two locations in the monument where bicycling is permitted: the Prairie View Trail, and the Summit Road when it is…
Learn more about Bicycling at Scotts Bluff National Monument on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 1 of 1
All 18 activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Hiking
- Scenic Driving
- Biking
- Guided Tours
- Junior Ranger Program
- Museum Exhibits
- Picnicking
- Arts and Culture
- Auto and ATV
- Backcountry Hiking
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Cultural Demonstrations
Show 6 more activities
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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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)
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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.
Monday Sunrise to Sunset Tuesday Sunrise to Sunset Wednesday Sunrise to Sunset Thursday Sunrise to Sunset Friday Sunrise to Sunset Saturday Sunrise to Sunset Sunday Sunrise 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.
Monday 9:00AM - 5:30PM Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:30PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:30PM Thursday 9:00AM - 5:30PM Friday 9:00AM - 5:30PM Saturday 9:00AM - 5:30PM Sunday 9:00AM - 5:30PM
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
190276 Old Oregon TrailGering, NE 69341
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
83°F
Sunny · feels like 73°
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Today
84° 45°
Sunny2% rain
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Tomorrow
81° 52°
Sunny1% rain
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Sunday
78° 50°
Sunny1% rain
Updated 28 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
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A hot air balloon is seen at the east entrance to Scotts Bluff National Monument. — NPS/Eric Grunwald -
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Getting There
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.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 27, Gering, NE 69341
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