Scotts Bluff National Monument
Time Needed: half-day
Experience Type: historic landmark, photo op
Scotts Bluff National Monument rises high above the plains, a defining landmark for pioneers traveling the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. Explore scenic trails, historic ruts, and panoramic overlooks, gaining insight into the journey west and Nebraska’s geological landscape.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Drive the Summit Road – Travel 1.6 miles on Nebraska’s oldest concrete road through three tunnels to the bluff’s summit for sweeping views of the North Platte River Valley.
- Walk the Oregon Trail Pathway – Follow an easy, 0.5-mile route (one-way) beside real wagon ruts left by 19th-century emigrants heading west across the Great Plains.
- Hike the Saddle Rock Trail – Ascend 1.6 miles from the visitor center to the summit of Scotts Bluff, passing striking rock formations and desert plants along the way.
- Visit the Legacy of the Plains Museum – Just a mile away, this museum highlights pioneer life, agriculture, and local history with exhibits and a working 80-acre farm.
- Side Trip to Chimney Rock – Drive 25 minutes to see this iconic spire, the most mentioned landmark in pioneer diaries along the Oregon Trail.
Recommended Reading: Moon Oregon Trail Road Trip is a comprehensive guide for tracing the historic route from Missouri to Oregon, highlighting pioneer sites, Native American history, natural landmarks, and classic Wild West towns.
Photo Credit: Visit Nebraska