Things To Know Before You Come

Scotts Bluff National Monument preserves 3,000 acres of unusual landforms and prairie habitat.

Facilities

There are no campgrounds or food services within the national monument. Soda and bottled water machines are available in the monument's amphitheater, behind the Visitor Center. There is also a drinking fountain and spigot near the Saddle Rock trailhead and restrooms. No facilities are available on the summit.

Summit Road (Open year-round)

Built in the 1930's, the road to the summit is narrow and runs through three vehicular tunnels.

Vehicle width and length restrictions are in effect for the Summit Road. Vehicles longer than 25 feet and/or higher than 11 feet 7 inches are prohibited. All trailers are prohibited.

Visitors have the option to access the summit using our Summit Shuttle.

NOTE: Hiking or bicycling on the Summit Road is only allowed during daylight hours when closed to vehicular traffic. (Before 9 a.m. and after 5:30 year round)

Hiking Trails

The monument trails are open from sunrise to sunset, and the entrance station gates are locked at sunset.

If you're planning to hike, be sure to bring plenty of water and appropriate clothing for the time of year.

Be advised, the rock along the Saddle Rock Trail is soft and crumbly; therefore, leaving the trail is extremely dangerous.

Pets are allowed on trails, but must be kept on a leash. Courtesy bags are provided near the Saddle Rock and Prairie View trailheads. Please clean up after your pet.

Rattlesnakes in the area are shy, but will strike if threatened.

Please do not disturb wildlife, or deface natural features.

Due to the unstable bluff conditions - the following areas are closed for public use:

• Off-trail areas on the summit
• Dome Rock
• Crown Rock
• Eagle Rock
• Sentinel Rock
• Saddle Rock

In addition, climbing on rock faces is prohibited.

Hiking is allowed on the South Bluff; however, there are no developed trails in this area. Please check-in at the Visitor Center first, and be aware of rattlesnakes.

Horseback riding is permitted; however, riding on or adjacent to the remnants of the Oregon Trail, the paved trails, the Summit Road, and parking lots is prohibited.