Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center — Attraction in Gering

What a beautiful gem this is in Nebraska! Gorgeous views from the top, an easy but moderate incline hike up and down for a total of around 3 miles. There is also a road to drive up to the top during daytime for those who can’t hike. It is free. Visitor center is nice and has some cute souvenirs. We regularly hike this daily when in the area for work & absolutely love the peacefulness of the monument, its quiet, lots of wild flowers during summer and always different wild life to see. The path to hike is paved and fine for kids and adults. After the road closes you can hike it up as well, we find it a bit easier than the trail up which is a steeper climb. Do not get out in the grass and be aware of rattlesnakes,we have seen quite a few and had some close calls this year with them. Just watch where you’re walking & stay on the path. If you’re passing through or live in the area this is a must see and do! Make sure to look for Laramie Peak & Chimney Rock! You can see both from the top on...

The Scottsbluff National Monument is a great stop to check out on the Oregon Trail.

Sadly the visitors center is under construction and a lot of the learning pieces inside the center are missing and won't be back until 2018. Scottsbluff isn't a major tourist destination so to have that stuff missing for so long is really a bummer because I doubt many people will come back after they've seen the bluff once.

There is one path from the visitors center up to the top. Once there you can go to a few viewpoints and learn about what Scottsbluff is and why it was important to the pioneers.

On a clear day you can see Laramie Peak to the east, if you have a day I suggest making the trip down hwy 26 along the old Oregon trail route, and stopping at Ft. Laramie, WY. One of the most important stops...

We arrived at 5:25 pm. The ranger manning the entrance informed us that they close the gates up to the bluff at 5:30, but that we were still welcome to drive up. We thought we only had five minutes total, but the park actually doesn’t close until 6 pm. Even so, we drove up, took a few pictures, and then drove back down. The road was twisty along steep drop-offs, but didn’t feel dangerous; maybe because there was enough of a shoulder? The tunnels were fun to drive through. The views from the parking area at the top of the bluff were nice. It was worth doing, but if we’re ever back, I’d like to plan enough time to walk the trails and see the displays in the...