Scotts Bluff National Monument Park

Address: 19017 Old Oregon Trail Rd, Gering, NE 69341 (Scotts Bluff NM)

Website: https://www.nps.gov/scbl

Scotts Bluff National Monument is a prominent sandstone bluff and historic landmark on the North Platte River in western Nebraska that guided emigrants on the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails. The bluff’s prominence made it a major navigation point on 19th-century overland routes.

The bluff was a natural guidepost for westward-bound pioneers in the mid-19th century and later became a protected national monument to preserve its natural and cultural history. Interpretation focuses on trail use, geology and local settlement history.

The monument sits adjacent to the communities of Gering and Scottsbluff in western Nebraska, on the north side of the North Platte River and dominating the surrounding prairie.

• Height and trail landmark: The bluff rises roughly 800 feet above the North Platte River valley and served as a prominent landmark for 19th-century emigrants on westward trails.

What to See#

• Mitchell Pass: Mitchell Pass, the historic route that cuts through the bluffs, was the corridor used by emigrant trails including the Oregon and California Trails and is marked with interpretive signs and remnants of wagon ruts.
• Summit and overlooks: The summit area is accessible by a scenic drive and overlooks that provide panoramic views across the North Platte River valley and the surrounding plains, with interpretive panels about trail history.

Scotts Bluff National Monument sits just west of the cities of Gering and Scottsbluff in western Nebraska. By car, follow US‑26 (Broadway) out of Scottsbluff/Gering toward the bluffs; parking and a visitor center are on site. There is very limited public transit in the area, so most visitors drive from Scottsbluff (a few miles) or arrive via Scotts Bluff County Regional Airport (Scottsbluff).

• Arrive early morning or late afternoon - Monument Road climbs to the summit viewpoints where light is best for photos and temperatures are cooler; midday parking at the overlooks and trails fills quickly.
• Use the visitor center at the base (along US‑26 by Scottsbluff/Gering) as your first stop - it houses the Oregon Trail exhibits and rangers can advise which summit viewpoints and shorter trails are open.
• Drive Monument Road to access the high overlooks rather than trying to hike everything from the base; many visitors miss the panoramic views and interpretive panels at the top.
• Check the National Park Service page before you go for seasonal Monument Road or trail closures (winter and high‑wind conditions can affect access).