Exploring Scotts Bluff National Monument in Nebraska
Holy cow guys, Scotts Bluff National Monument in Nebraska looked cool in the pictures online, but it is even more amazing in person. Not to mention we pretty much had this sweet area almost to ourselves! Does anyone even know this EXISTS?
PARKING
There are different places to park around Scotts Bluff National Monument depending how you want to forge your adventure. There is some parking near the visitor center that can be the base for your adventure if you want to check out the lower trail/GATE TO THE WEST, or want to take a shuttle up to the top.
We chose to actually take our truck up to the top of Scotts Bluff National Monument to hike all we possibly could. Once we were up there, we met a really nice ranger informing us that we could actually hike the epic trail along the side of the bluff-age and a shuttle service would take us back up to our truck. If you want to get some awesome hiking in but not completely wear yourself out, I definitely recommend this option.
TRAILS
In Scotts Bluff National Monument we took 4 little hiking trails all in one day while visiting. Once driving to the top there are two shorter trails taking you to TWO awesome overlooks. The south overlook and north overlook trails are 1/8 mile and 1/2 mile respectively and are fairly easy. If just swinging through the area, I definitely at least recommend hitting these two up before taking off.
If you are in the area for a few hours, hit up the longer trail called Saddle Rock Trail. This trail offers the most epic views of Scotts Bluff National Monument including overlooks, steep cliffs, a sweet tunnel, and a stroll along the valley floor. We took this from the top down because we had the older pup with us, but it would definitely be a good bit of exercise making your way up all the switchbacks to the top.
NPS Map of Scotts Bluff National Monument
HISTORY
I’m not going to go all historian on you here because well, I’m not a historian. However, if you are traveling through this area you should AT LEAST know that the Oregon Trail used to head right below the ground you are walking around on. No worries though, I don’t think there is a risk of dying of dysentery whilst visiting. There is however a risk to falling to your death, so don’t do that.
Although the visitor center was under construction during our visit, definitely hit that up before creating your own adventure at Scotts Bluff National Monument. There is nothing like imagining you are back in the olden days exploring through the ungroomed valley filled with mystery and unknown landscapes. Ok, maybe they knew a little bit, but still makes it sound more intense.
OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES
Favorite Hike at Rocky Mountain National Park
Alluvial Fan Rocky Mountain National Park
LaVern M Johnson Park
NOTE FROM WRITER
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Also be sure to check out Deanna’s food blog, The Harvest Skillet, when you get the chance! A lot of awesome and healthy recipes to use there!
Adventure On!
