Scotts Bluff National Monument, Gering: Hours, Address, Scotts Bluff National Monument Reviews: 4.5/5
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Scotts Bluff National Monument
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
54 within 3 miles
The Monument Grill
29
0.9 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Steakhouse • Bar
Frontside Bar & Grill
3
1.8 miBar • Grill • Pub
The Mixing Bowl Cafe
64
2.1 mi$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
La Bonita
28
2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Vegetarian Friendly
Panhandle Co-op Deli
9
1.9 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • American • Soups
Sandy's Burritos
15
2 mi$ • Mexican
Steel Grill
94
2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Steakhouse • Bar
Asian Buffet
11
2.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Sushi • Asian
Runza
44
2.1 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast Food
Taco John's
15
2.1 mi$ • Quick Bites • Mexican • Fast Food
Attractions
11 within 6 miles
Monument Valley Pathway
92
0.7 miHiking Trails • Scenic Walking Areas
Legacy of the Plains Museum
84
1.2 miHistory Museums
South Overlook
21
0.8 miLookouts • Scenic Walking Areas
North Overlook
19
0.8 miLookouts • Scenic Walking Areas
Saddle Rock Trail
16
0.8 miHiking Trails
Riverside Discovery Center
41
1.5 miZoos
Rebecca Winters Memorial
15
2.6 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
North Platte Valley Museum
7
2.4 miSpeciality Museums
Winter Farmers Market
1
Farmers Markets
Robidoux Trading Post
9
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
609 reviews
Excellent
413
Very good
173
Average
22
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Steve5863
Avon, OH13,020 contributions
Sep 2019
Pulling up in the early morning light of Autumn, I was struck by the surprising natural beauty of Mitchell Pass with Scotts Bluff on one side and Sentinel Rock on the other. Stopping and getting out, walking the historic grounds and seeing the sights, including the still visible Oregon Trail, it is difficult not to reflect upon the thousands of emigrants that passed through and what they were thinking when they saw the bluffs after many days passing through the nondescript great plains, the difficulties they must have endured and the promise of a better life in the west that drove them on.
Be sure not to miss the best part of the monument, a drive or hike to the top of Scotts Bluff and walking the short, paved South and North Overlook Trails to get excellent bird’s eye views of the pass, surrounding bluffs, city of Scottsbluff, the North Platte River and valley, and the badlands between the river and Scotts Bluff that was the reason for the trail to depart its route along the river and detour through Mitchell Pass.
Be sure not to miss the best part of the monument, a drive or hike to the top of Scotts Bluff and walking the short, paved South and North Overlook Trails to get excellent bird’s eye views of the pass, surrounding bluffs, city of Scottsbluff, the North Platte River and valley, and the badlands between the river and Scotts Bluff that was the reason for the trail to depart its route along the river and detour through Mitchell Pass.
Written August 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ward D
Satellite Beach, FL2,296 contributions
Oct 2020
The staff manning the entrance booth was very helpful. The visit was free and the visitors center was closed when we visited. There were some porta-potties across from the visitors center at the bottom of the bluff. It appeared that you could walk from the visitors center up to the bluff or drive. We chose to drive. It was a relatively easy and quick drive that took about 10 minutes. There is a parking lot at the top for about 30 vehicles. From there you can see a great vista from the parking lot. If you are up to it there are 2 main trails to the north and south. The south is a paved path that is 1/8 mile. The north trail is ½ mile and has at several great views. I would highly recommend a visit to this site if you are in the area.
Written October 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jeremiah Z
Roseville, MN2,282 contributions
Jul 2020
We visited in the early morning hours on a weekday and walked up the park road to the top of the bluffs before the road opened for the day. Then we did the two short walks to the North and South Overlooks before descending back to the Visitor Center/main parking lot via the Saddle Rock Trail. We also did the short out-and-back walk on the Oregon Trail Pathway. In all, this took us under 3 hours (about 5 mi. total of hiking).
We really thought visiting the park this way gave us the best views of the surrounding landscape, and the morning light was fantastic. By later in the day in the summer, it would probably be too hot. It's not very busy in the morning, either.
The most scenic spot in the park is probably the view at the South Overlook. Gorgeous! Also, descending the Saddle Rock Trail is tons of fun as there aren't many places in NE you can hike with switchbacks on the trail.
We really thought visiting the park this way gave us the best views of the surrounding landscape, and the morning light was fantastic. By later in the day in the summer, it would probably be too hot. It's not very busy in the morning, either.
The most scenic spot in the park is probably the view at the South Overlook. Gorgeous! Also, descending the Saddle Rock Trail is tons of fun as there aren't many places in NE you can hike with switchbacks on the trail.
Written July 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nicole F
Austin, TX127 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
I did not go up the monument, as I am scared of heights. On a hot summer day, there was little hiking that I could see that would have been shaded.
If you are coming in summer, you will most likely spend most of your visit in your car unless you are blessed with cooler weather or arrange to come early
I will say the visitor's center was wonderful. Great AC, a theatre room with an astounding view and a video they show if you request (ask the front desk). Full bathrooms with numerous stalls. Art work, a room of hands on kids' displays, some features for adults, and a nice gift shop. Numerous helpful staff
Apparently this was just renovated.
I complained that some of the national parks don't have bathrooms open until 9 a.m. and they said they open at 8.
For our family, this was a stop between Black Hills recreation and Denver.
This park emphasizes historical pioneer travels in this area more than geological interest.
If you are coming in summer, you will most likely spend most of your visit in your car unless you are blessed with cooler weather or arrange to come early
I will say the visitor's center was wonderful. Great AC, a theatre room with an astounding view and a video they show if you request (ask the front desk). Full bathrooms with numerous stalls. Art work, a room of hands on kids' displays, some features for adults, and a nice gift shop. Numerous helpful staff
Apparently this was just renovated.
I complained that some of the national parks don't have bathrooms open until 9 a.m. and they said they open at 8.
For our family, this was a stop between Black Hills recreation and Denver.
This park emphasizes historical pioneer travels in this area more than geological interest.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
OutdoorKidz
Omaha, NE797 contributions
Sep 2021
Very interesting spot to spend a little bit of time. No entrance fee is charged. The gate for the paved road to the top closes at 4pm, so arrive in plenty of time to take the short drive to the top. Rangers will round people up shortly before 4:30pm to escort visitors back to the entrance. There are some short hiking trails on top for big views of Scottsbluff and the surrounding area.
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mrschicoaustralia
Vicksburg, MS33 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
We drove here specifically to see it as part of a road trip, adding on a couple of hours in the process. It was beautiful, without doubt, but we felt that our kids were too young to hike to the top, so we just did the short hikes at the top. We saw trail runners heading up, which my husband and I would have loved to have done (without kids).
I would recommend seeing Chimney Rock if in the area. We got caught in sand storms and watched tumbleweeds race down the highway, which our kids loved!
I would recommend seeing Chimney Rock if in the area. We got caught in sand storms and watched tumbleweeds race down the highway, which our kids loved!
Written December 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
bigtyke
Greeley, CO6,764 contributions
Mar 2021
We made just a short stop to get a picture of my son and his girlfriend. My wife and I had visited previously. The Vistor Center building is complete, although I think that it still needs more exhibits. The restroom is nice and CLEAN - quite a contrasrt to the stinky portapotty that was there previously!
Written March 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
kedalion1
Sheboygan, WI211 contributions
Sep 2020
Big asterisk, we visited during CoVid, so your results may vary... we stopped at Scottsbluff NM on a hot and sunny afternoon in September. Only the picnic area, trails, and drive to the top of the bluff were available (however it was free so that was a plus), and we drove to the top - the drive is narrow and windy, so no trailers! Once you get to the top you can walk north or South and we did both, each one about the same in terms of beauty and view, but there was probably more to look at on the South walk. Be absolutely sure not to leave the trail though, the rangers heavily patrol the ridge and remember the Park Service as a whole does not like humans that much, they can and will fine you so is it really worth it? I always enjoy letting my car do most of the elevation to get to see a nice view, so Scottsbluff was no disappontment! If CoVid continues you have to bring your own drinks, as water at this site was shut down when I was there.
Written March 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Travel4Fun31
Roselle, IL361 contributions
Mar 2020
Stunning view, from below and above. Only draw back is if you want to drive up the monument, they close at 4:00 pm. Wish they were open later, this would be a fabulous place to watch the sun set!
Drove up to the top, and even though it was overcast the views were amazing. Went along the Old Oregon Trail a bit too to get some better views of the monuments from other angles. Well worth a stop and some time to hang out. Such great views.
Drove up to the top, and even though it was overcast the views were amazing. Went along the Old Oregon Trail a bit too to get some better views of the monuments from other angles. Well worth a stop and some time to hang out. Such great views.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
FTTN
Harrisburg, PA278 contributions
Jun 2021
Even if you are only passing through, you must stop and see Scott's Bluff. A natural monument that is breathtaking. The twisting drive to the top is worth it: 800 feet above the plains. Beautiful views, really something!
Written July 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Do you need a park permit?
bigtyke
Greeley, CO6,764 contributions
Apparently they discontinued the entry fee this year. I talked to a local who hadn't been to the monument in 30 years, but decided to come because there was no fee!
Colleenw62
Concord, NC4 contributions
My daughter & I have only time for a quick visit. We want to see the short film & get a picture by a covered wagon & would like to drive up to see the view. How long would you say it would take us to do that?
Thanks
utoometoo
Harrisburg, PA74 contributions
The covered wagon is right along the road. The entire visit shouldn't take more than 2 hours
LandAndSea77
austin, tx268 contributions
We're getting there after the visitor center closes. Will we be able to see anything? By car?
Joe J
Virginia406 contributions
There is a small exhibit outside of the visitor center, with a paved walking path. You should also be able to drive up to the top of the bluff. Check their webpage on NPS.gov for basic info.
Charlotte L
Grandville, MI1 contribution
How long is the home to the top ?
DJWCPA
20 contributions
As previously stated the drive up the road from the Visitor Center to the top is 5 to 10 minutes depending on how fast you drive. It is better to take it slow and enjoy the views going up. Plus the road has curves and tunnels so slower is better for driver safety. The pathway up is not alongside the road but rather takes a completely different route. The views from the pathway make it worth the walk but give yourself plenty of time, maybe 45 minutes to 1 hour going up and 30 minutes coming back down. This is a natural environment so there are rattlesnakes but a watchful eye should be enough to keep you safe. Just stay on the pathway and don't wander off in the grass. The Visitor Center will take anywhere form 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on what you want to do and see. Also, once on top there are several trails to explore so give yourself time to enjoy the different views. All in all a very worthwhile stop and place to visit.
Chanhoff
Wapakoneta, OH83 contributions
I am planning our Oregon Trail trip and would like to know how long to allow for our visit to Scotts Bluff NM. We obviously have a long trip planned and need to keep moving but want to spend a reasonable amount of time there. Thank you!
Eric M
Saint Charles, IL275 contributions
I would plan on two to three hours. There is a nice video in the visitor center. We also drove to the top of the bluff to view the surrounding countryside. I would also walk about a quarter mile to the west for a spectacular view of the pass. The land west of the pass gives a good perspective of the trail. Enjoy, a very special place.
Colorado_Lillies
Lakewood566 contributions
The number for the Scottsbluff National Monument is not 436-9700. Their true phone number is 308-436-4340. I have no idea why Barb put that phone number, it is incorrect. I contacted the Scottsbluff National Monument and got the real phone number, and it is the one I have posted :^)
Linda G
Stirling, UK192 contributions
Hi.
I am sorry that incorrect information has been given, but this is what I found on the website for this attraction. I would never knowingly post inaccurate information, and I suspect that Barb got her info from the same place.
My apologies. :)
Here is the contact information from the website..
Mailing Address
Scotts Bluff National Monument
PO Box 27
Gering, NE 69341-0027
Physical Address
Scotts Bluff National Monument
190276 Old Oregon Trail
Gering, NE 69341
Phone: 308-436-9700
Email: e-mail us
Frequently Asked Questions about Scotts Bluff National Monument
- Scotts Bluff National Monument is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Scotts Bluff National Monument:
- (2.15 mi) Monument Inn & Suites
- (3.42 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsbluff-Conference Center
- (2.93 mi) Barn Anew Bed and Breakfast
- (3.66 mi) Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Scottsbluff
- (2.03 mi) Robidoux RV Park
- Restaurants near Scotts Bluff National Monument:
- (2.06 mi) The Mixing Bowl Cafe
- (0.85 mi) The Monument Grill
- (2.62 mi) The Tangled Tumbleweed
- (2.67 mi) Flyover Brewing
- (2.59 mi) Cappuccino and Company
- Attractions near Scotts Bluff National Monument:
- (0.74 mi) Monument Valley Pathway
- (1.20 mi) Legacy of the Plains Museum
- (0.80 mi) South Overlook
- (0.80 mi) North Overlook
- (0.80 mi) Saddle Rock Trail