Thousands of covered wagons rolled by Eagle Rock in the mid nineteenth century.
Photo: NPS Photo / Wesley Gant
About
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.
Location
190276 Old Oregon Trail
Gering, NE 69341
Hours
wednesdaySunrise to Sunset
mondaySunrise to Sunset
thursdaySunrise to Sunset
sundaySunrise to Sunset
tuesdaySunrise to Sunset
fridaySunrise to Sunset
saturdaySunrise to Sunset
Activities
Arts and CultureCultural DemonstrationsAuto and ATVScenic DrivingBikingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingLiving HistoryJunior Ranger ProgramPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShopping
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.
Get directions →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.