Scotts Bluff National Monument
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Scotts Bluff National Monument protects 3,000 acres of unusual land formations rising over the flat prairielands below. Looming eight hundred feet above the North Platte River, Scotts Bluff has provided a natural landmark for many peoples. It most famously served as the path marker for those on the Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express Trails.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Ken MaberryPhone Number: 308-436-4340
Entrance Fees: Individual (valid for 7 days): $3 (hikers, bicyclists, motorcycles); Vehicle (valid for 7 days): $5; Commercial Van: $40 per day; Annual Park Pass: $15
Sights: Scotts Bluff; South Bluff; Oregon Trail Pathway; Summit Road; North Platte River; Saddle Rock; Dome Rock; Sentinel Rock
Important Dates
Established as Park: December 12, 1919By The Numbers
Acres: 3,003.00Highest Point: Scotts Bluff (800 feet)
Annual Visitation: 98,352 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :41.848070 / -103.704310 (map it)
State: NE
Nearby Big City: Gering, NE
Gateway Communities: Gering, NE; Scottsbluff, NE; Melbeta, NE; Mitchell, NE; Minatare, NE; McGrew, NE; Morrill, NE; Lyman, NE; Harrisburg, NE; Bayard, NE
Nearby Airports: Western Nebraska Regional Airport (BFF)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : Yes
Has Volunteer Program? : No
Park Photos
Scotts Bluff and Flag
Philip Eckerberg
Scotts Bluff, 2199
National Park Service
Scotts Bluff, 2200
National Park Service
View More Scotts Bluff Photos
In Detail
Activities & Programs Though one could spend an entire day enjoying the beauty of Scotts Bluff National Monument, plan a stay for a minumum of two hours to fully enjoy the park. Browsing the exhibits in the museum, watch ... read more.
Animals Scotts Bluff National Monument is one of the few places in the Panhandle of Nebraska where wildlife is protected in a natural environment. There are resident populations of various species of reptil ... read more.
Geology The Scotts Bluff National Monument's Presidential Proclamation states that Scotts Bluff has "scientific interest ... from a geologic standpoint." The scientific interest of this site has been appare ... read more.
History On March 28, 1914, an inquiry was made to the Department of the Interior about the possibility of establishing a National Monument at Scotts Bluff. Two years later a second attempt was made, which ... read more.
Just For Kids Park Fun Scotts Bluff National Monument is fun for both adults and children alike! Kids enjoy hiking to the summit of the bluff, as well as interpretive ranger-led walks. Plus, weekends in the summer ... read more.
Natural World Scotts Bluff National Monument was established in 1919 by Presidential Proclamation primarily for its historical significance and unique geological features. While human history is the dominant th ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Your Safety Weather Summer weather can bring high temperatures and low humidity. It is important to have plenty of water with you to prevent dehydration, especially during longer walks or hikes. Wear ... read more.
Planning Your Visit Operating Hours & Seasons Scotts Bluff National Monument is open seven days a week with the exception of January 1, Thanksgiving Day, and December 25. Oregon Trail Museum and Visitor Center Summer ... read more.
Plants Four hundred fifty-two species, subspecies, and varieties of vascular plants have been identified at Scotts Bluff National Monument. The vegetation is divided into three major plant associations: ... read more.
Sights to See Nearby Attractions NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AREAS Agate Fossil Beds National Monument (52 miles) (308) 668-2211 Chimney Rock National Historic Site (23 miles) (308) 586-2581 Fort Laramie National Histor ... read more.
Visitor Services Scotts Bluff National Monument preserves 3,000 acres of unusual landforms and prairie habitat. Facilities There are no campgrounds or food services within the national monument. A pay phone is locat ... read more.
Walking & Hiking North Overlook Trail The North Overlook trail provides an amazing view of the North Platte River valley, the badlands, and the cities of Scottsbluff and Gering. Length: 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) i ... read more.
Who's Who at the Park Bookstore The Oregon Trail Museum at Scotts Bluff National Monument offers a variety of books, toys, and souvenirs covering different aspects of the history of this region. Currently, online orders c ... read more.
Scotts Bluff In Depth
News from the Parks
Frommer's Top 5 Parks for Cozy Camping
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
Park to Reopen Today after Crews Repair Road, Channel Kautz Creek
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
Jenna Otter Returns to Scene of Grizzly Bear Attack
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
Things Slow At Hawaii's National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
