EXTRAORDINARY LANDSCAPES. ENDURING STORIES.

Scotts Bluff National Monument

A landmark on the overland trails
Nebraska
Scenic header: Thousands of covered wagons rolled by Eagle Rock in the mid nineteenth century. · NPS Photo / Wesley Gant · Photo credits
TAKE TIME TO DISCOVER

A landmark on the overland trails

A towering bluff above the North Platte Valley became a landmark for westbound travelers. Road and trail viewpoints connect the landscape with stories of migration and Native homelands.

Conestoga wagon in front of Eagle Rock
Thousands of covered wagons rolled by Eagle Rock in the mid nineteenth century.
NPS Photo / Wesley Gant · Photo credits
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 · Photo credits
BUILD A MEMORABLE VISIT

What to explore

  • 01Summit Road when open
  • 02Oregon Trail Pathway
  • 03Visitor-center exhibits

Before you go

Confirm summit-road hours and vehicle restrictions. Walking to the top is a different undertaking from visiting the lower trail area.

Give the place time

Choose a manageable walk, viewpoint or tour, and allow time for interpretation. Gateway areas help orient the visit; they are not exact entrance directions.

Make the details easy

Confirm the specific facilities, walking surfaces and vehicle access your group needs. Tours, transport and special access may require separate arrangements.

Official visitor information ↗Plan your visit →

Check the official source for current access, hours, fees, reservations, permits and alerts. Photos may show earlier conditions. Suggested highlights are visit ideas, not a guarantee that every area is currently open.