General information about the National Monument
Scotts Bluff NP protects a very prominent sandstone cliff that served as a landmark for early settlers on the Oregon Trail as they traveled far west.
Number of visitors
Best time to visit: Spring, summer and fall.
Our visits:
So far 1 visit: June 2017
Entrance fees and opening hours
- Free of charge
- Covered by the Anual Pass*
- Open 24h all year round. Summit Rd, however, may be closed at times depending on weather conditions.
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
Scottsbluff NM
Description: You can climb the 1919 protected cliff either by car or via the Saddle Rock Trail. The trail is 1.6mi long and climbs 436 vertical feet. At the top you will find two overlooks that offer great views of the surrounding area.
The National Monument is open 24h every day, but the road to the cliff is closed at 18h in summer and at 16.30h in winter.
Our rating: Unfortunately, when we visited in June 2017, the trail via Saddle Rock Trail was closed due to a rockslide. So we had to drive up the road to enjoy the great view. It was especially dramatic because a huge thunderstorm was coming up and gave it a very special atmosphere.
But we were also lucky, because during our visit both the Visitor Center and the covered wagons were occupied and so we could learn many interesting things about life on the Oregon Trail. We liked it here in the small National Monument very much and we can recommend a visit in any case.
For those interested in the history of the Oregon Trail, you can perhaps find here also something interesting.
