Scotts Bluff National Monument in Nebraska is an out of the way place for hiking but I think it is worth the extra effort to seek it out. Driving I-80 through Nebraska can be a bit of a stretch and as often as I travel from Iowa to see my son in Colorado, I look for different things to do and see. I have actually been here four times. As a kid in the mid 1970’s, with my kids in the 1996, by myself in 2015 and with Steve in 2017. Even though it’s over an hour out of my way, I enjoy the area.
Location
Finding Scotts Bluff is easy, just turn off of I-80 at Ogallala, Nebraska and drive NW. Scotts Bluff National Monument is more elevation than I expected in Nebraska. It has been a landmark for people for ages as it towers 800 feet above the plains and the North Platte River.
History
For those of you that are history buffs or played Oregon Trail as a kid, you may remember it as a landmark for pioneers traveling the Oregon, Mormon, and California Trails. The wagons traveled around Scotts Bluff via Mitchel Pass. If you want to read up on the life of a person on a Wagon Train you can click here. I thought it was a fun read, and there are other links from there about the area and history as well.
Hiking Up Scotts Bluff
Hiking up Scotts Bluff is no easy feat, but it’s there, so why not? Just to let you know, you can drive up the other side to get to the top, but I prefer the hike. The path is easy to follow and walk on. The elevation is steep but gradual. Keep in mind, you are in the sun and it feels very hot beating down directly on you. It is a challenge! Take water, wear sunscreen and sturdy shoes. Close to the top, the path does have some loose rock, but just follow the path and you will be ok. Plus there is some shade on the top!!!!
There is even a fun tunnel to walk through a little more than half way up!! The views the entire time on this hike are outstanding and you can see for miles.
Chimney Rock
You may also remember the Chimney Rock Landmark near Bayard, Nebraska from history class. If you take the Ogallala exit you will pass this on the way to Scotts Bluff. Chimney Rock is a large spire shaped rock that pioneers felt was shaped like a chimney. This spire shaped rock stands out on the prairie and when pioneers saw it they knew they were following the right path and could see it ahead for miles. I have heard it was taller but the tip was hit off by lightening.
Windlass Hill Pioneer Homestead Marker
Windless Hill is an important place on the Oregon Trail as it has the best preserved wagon ruts (tracks) in the area. Pioneers slowly assisted the wagons down this steep hill. At the bottom of the hill is a marker that marks the site of an 1899 homestead. The rocks around the marker are from the original homestead. Check out the replica houses made of sod, or “soddie” as they are sometimes called.
The Memories, Mid 1970’s & 1996
I didn’t realize I had almost identical pictures 20 years apart until I was looking for photos for this post! First one is of me and my folks. Second is of my brother and dad. The last two are me and my kids and then my son. This area is near the Visitors Center and you can walk along the Oregon Trail if you wish.
Conclusion
Since I have repeatedly ventured back here, I really do like Scotts Bluff National Monument. Not sure what draws me here, the history, the geography, or the long drive through Nebraska! Regardless, I enjoy the area and it is worth the out of the way drive.
This is less than 3 hours from me…I might have to make a visit! The Pawnee Buttes & Nebraska high point might also be fun stops for you when you drive out 🙂
Thanks! I have heard of the Buttes! I will have to check these out! That 10 hour drive can get quite boring when I go solo. I can only listen to myself sing for so long!
Whenever I read something about Nebraska, it instantly relates me to Warren Buffet and Charlie Munger….😀😀
Both grew up in Nebraska!! Omaha, I think!
Absolutely, they both…😀😀 I am big fan of him, though let me confess his Investment Philosophy and Portfolio Diversification!!😅😅
I agree!! Great mind!!
Breathtaking views!!! 😍 And that’s freaky about the twin photos 20 years apart! It must hold a very special place in your heart.
It did surprise me!!!! I have photos like that from other places too! Maybe in the back of my mind I remember the photos and then take another one thinking it’s a good place for a photo?
Yes it must be subconscious!!!
How long does the hike take?
Round trip it took about an hour up and 30 minutes down. It’s 3 miles round trip. I am a slow hiker though! Always have been!!
I just checked out this park online for my next adventure. Alas, I don’t have enough time to do it justice, so I’m putting it on the list for now. 🙂
There is surprisingly a lot to do on the area!!
I’m headed to Beatrice, NB instead- Homestead National Monument
Oh cool! I have heard of that but not been there!!! I’ll look for your post! We are headed to Eastern Iowa tomorrow to take a road trip along the Mississippi River Road! Our first real venture out!!!!
Oh fun!!! I’ll be in Hannibal, MO on Saturday! We’ll be so close! 🙂
That sounds fun!! It’s in the Mississippi too!!
Not at all the scenery I expected for Nebraska! I love the rock formations!
I agree.. once you get off the interstate and head north it is very scenic, before the bluffs there are a lot of rolling hills. Really pretty in its own way!
Oh. My. God. All of NE isn’t pancake-flat? I’ve been known to say less-than-favorable things about NE on the podcast from time to time (it’s a slog to drive through, as I’m sure you know), but we’ve only ever gone across the state on I-80. I had no idea NE had anything like that! I’m going to have to make a formal apology to NE on the blog! 🙂
Lol! I know!! Being from Iowa we never saw NE as scenic. Much to my surprise once you start heading north off of I 80 there’s a lot a rolling hills all the way up to when you get to the Bluffs! I hear ya about the drive through though!! Love that my son lives in Colorado, hate the 10 hour drive!!
And we’ve got an additional four just to get to Des Moines!
Ugh! That makes for a very long day!!
Looks like a great place to hike, but I guess you have to bring your own shade. Hard to believe the prairies have prominent topographical features. Thanks for sharing. Allan
Definitely short on the shade!!! Lori
This has been on my list of places to check out for a while, maybe post covid!
I enjoyed it each time I went! Incidentally, it was not at all crowded when I have been there!
Beautiful pictures!!!
Thanks!
Looks like a nice way to break up the car trip. Some beautiful photos, but I particularly liked the ones of when you were kid to when you have your own kids!
I like those too!!
I’ve not traveled that far west, Lori, and made the stop, But at some point I need too. My aging kitty doesn’t allow me more than half day trips. But it’s all good and something to look forward too. Nice images. Fresh air is always good. Have a nice 4th. Jerry
Hope you had a good 4th!! Thanks for your comments!!
We typically turn southwest toward Fort Collins when we travel west along I-80. I won’t miss this attraction next time. Thanks for the info.
It was fun!! Very different for Nebraska!