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National Monument · Nebraska

Scotts Bluff National Monument

National Monument in Nebraska. No entrance fee. 2 hikes listed.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Monument
StateNebraska
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkWind Cave (120 mi)
Closest airportBFF (6 mi)
Conestoga wagon in front of Eagle Rock
Thousands of covered wagons rolled by Eagle Rock in the mid nineteenth century. Photo: NPS Photo / Wesley Gant

Scotts Bluff National Monument is a national monument run by the National Park Service in Nebraska.

In the park service’s words

Towering 800 feet above the North Platte River, Scotts Bluff has served as a landmark for peoples from Native Americans to emigrants on the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails to modern travelers. Rich with geological and paleontological history as well as human history, there is much to discover while exploring the 3,000 acres of Scotts Bluff National Monument.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Viewing the William Henry Jackson Collection (20 to 30 Minutes): A selection of the Scotts Bluff National Monument collection of the works of William Henry Jackson is displayed in the monument visitor center.
  • Drive the Scotts Bluff Summit Road (20 to 60 Minutes): A 1.6 mile drive from the Scotts Bluff Visitor Center Parking Lot to the summit of Scotts Bluff. This drive features scenic views and interesting geology. Vehicles longer than 25 feet (7.6 meters) and/or higher than 11 feet 7 inches (3.53 meters) are prohibited. All trailers are prohibited.
  • Scotts Bluff Ranger Programs (15 to 60 Minutes): Learn more about Scotts Bluff National Monument by attending a ranger-guided program!
  • Backcountry Hiking South Bluff (60 to 180 Minutes): Backcountry hiking on South Bluff is difficult and should only be attempted by experienced hikers. Please check in with the ranger at the visitor center.
  • Stamp Your Passport Book (5 to 10 Minutes): Stamp your "Passport to Your National Parks" book in the Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center!
  • Become a Scotts Bluff Junior Ranger (30 to 45 Minutes): Earn your Scotts Bluff National Monument Junior Ranger badge!
  • Hiking Scotts Bluff National Monument: There are nearly four miles of hiking trails at Scotts Bluff National Monument. There is a trail for every ability.
  • Scotts Bluff Cell Phone Audio Tour (5 to 150 Minutes): The Scotts Bluff National Monument Cell Phone Audio Tour is a great way to learn more about the natural and cultural history of this famous landmark on the Oregon and California Trails.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Daily, Sunrise to Sunset. Scotts Bluff National Monument is located in the Mountain Time Zone. These hours are for the grounds, picnic area, and trails only. The hours for the Visitor Center and Summit Road are different. See below for Summit Road and Visitor Center hours.

Getting there

Visitors traveling east-west on Interstate 80 can exit at Kimball, Nebraska and drive 45 miles north on Nebraska Highway 71. Follow National Park Service signs three miles west of Gering, Nebraska to Old Oregon Trail Road. Turn west onto Old Oregon Trail Road and follow it approximately 2 miles to the monument visitor center on the right. Visitors travelling along the North Platte River using US Highway 26 or Nebraska Highway 92, should follow the National Park Service signs.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Western Neb. Rgnl/William B. Heilig Airport (BFF) Scottsbluff, NE No road route 6 Regional
Alliance Municipal Airport (AIA) Alliance, NE No road route 49 Regional
Cheyenne Regional Jerry Olson Field (CYS) Cheyenne, WY No road route 74 Regional
Denver International Airport (DEN) Denver, CO No road route 145 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

Weather

Summers at Scotts Bluff are generally dry and high temperatures are usually in the 80's and 90's, although they can reach above 100 on occasion. Hikers are strongly advised to carry water. Winter daytime temperatures are usually in the 40's or low 50's, with overnight lows below freezing and, on occasion, below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Although it can be windy any time of the year, spring is the windiest season.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Wind Cave, about 120 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Scotts Bluff National Monument?

No entrance fee.

Where is Scotts Bluff National Monument?

In Nebraska. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Western Neb. Rgnl/William B. Heilig Airport, about 6 miles away.

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