Backcountry Hiking South Bluff
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.
60-180 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
National Monument
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Scotts Bluff National Monument is a National Monument in Nebraska. The NPS currently lists 0 active alerts, 0 campgrounds and 1 visitor center, and no entrance fee.
Nebraska National Monument No entrance fee
Updated · NPS Data API
About the park
“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.”
Active alerts
0
Closures
0
Campgrounds
0
Visitor centers
1
Current alerts and closures
The NPS listed no active alerts for this park in the Oct 28, 2026 snapshot. Conditions can change; check current conditions on nps.gov before you go.
Entrance fees and passes
This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.
Things to do
Enjoy a Picnic at Scotts Bluff
Enjoy a picnic at Scotts Bluff National Monument
30-60 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Saddle Rock Trail Geology Hiking Tour
This 1.6 mile hike on the Saddle Rock Trail features 435 feet of elevation change. Participants will have an opportunity to observe and learn about some unique geological features and the processes that created the landscape of Scotts Bluff National Monument.
60-90 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
See all 11 things to do in Scotts Bluff →
Activities the NPS lists for Scotts Bluff.
Arts and CultureCultural DemonstrationsAuto and ATVScenic DrivingBikingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingLiving HistoryJunior Ranger ProgramPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store
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Operating hours
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.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Tuesday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Wednesday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Thursday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Friday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Saturday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Sunday | Sunrise to Sunset |
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.
Contact and directions
- Phone
- 3084369700
- [email protected]
- Address
- 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE 69341
- Coordinates
- 41.8346, -103.7071· View on OpenStreetMap
Visitor centers
| Visitor center | Standard hours | Phone | Passport stamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center | Daily: 8:00AM - 6:00PM | 3084369700 | Yes |
Campgrounds
No NPS campgrounds are listed for this site. Nearby national forests or state parks may offer camping.
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More parks in Nebraska
Agate Fossil Beds National MonumentCalifornia National Historic TrailHomestead National Historical ParkLewis & Clark National Historic TrailMissouri National Recreational RiverMormon Pioneer National Historic TrailNiobrara National Scenic RiverOregon National Historic TrailPony Express National Historic TrailAll in Nebraska
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Nearest other NPS sites
Sources
- Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
- Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/scbl/index.htm
- Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.