Scotts Bluff National Monument

Scotts Bluff National Monument is a natural formation that rises roughly 800 feet (240 m) above the North Platte River, featuring steep cliffs and weathered rock formations. The site encompasses nearly 3,000 acres of mixed grassland with distinct peaks accessible by multiple trails and a scenic drive.

The bluffs served as a crucial guidepost for pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail during the 1800s western expansion. The site became a national monument in 1919 to preserve its significance in the story of American migration and westward settlement.

The bluffs served as a recognizable landmark where travelers stopped to rest and resupply during their long journeys westward. Local tribes held deep connections to this place, using its resources as part of their seasonal movements.

The site is accessible on foot via multiple trails or by car along a scenic road to the summit. A visitor center provides information and displays to help you understand the geology and history of the place.

The rock layers contain fossils and sediments over 10 million years old, revealing how the environment changed during prehistoric times. These geological records offer a window into distant epochs long before humans reached the region.

Location: Scotts Bluff County

Inception: December 12, 1919

Operator: National Park Service

Address: 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE 69341, USA

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 08:30-16:30

Phone: +13084369700

Website: https://nps.gov/scbl

GPS coordinates: 41.83470,-103.70700

Latest update: December 19, 2025 22:46