Northeast Overlook

The Northeast Overlook offers wonderful views of the North Platte River Valley.

NPS/Eric Grunwald

This overlook, near the summit of Scotts Bluff, offers views of the North Platte River Valley and the towns of Scottsbluff, Gering and Terrytown. 

• Scotts Bluff Summit

  
  

  Stop 6 on the Scotts Bluff National Monument Saddle Rock Trail Audio Tour

  Credit / Author:

  Audio Recording by Ray Richards

  Date created:

  07/22/2024

  Audio Transcript

  From up here you can see the expanse of the valley.  Some geologists say that the North Platte River has been working on carving the landscape below you for millions of years.  You are now 800 feet above the river and 435 feet above the Visitor Center.  Some geologists believe that the top of the bluff is approximately 22 million years old.  At the base of bluff is where you would find the oldest exposed formations.  Historically speaking the bluffs are very old, but in geologic time the bluffs are relatively young.  Some geologists say about 4 to 5 million years ago the rate of erosion exceeded that of sediment deposition leaving behind the landscape we now know as the Great Plains.  

  The geology of Scotts Bluff is significant for scientific and historic reasons. Emigrants typically traveled along the Platte River Valley using both sides of the river.  At Scotts Bluff the geology of the badlands forced the emigrants out of the valley. The badlands presented a barrier to travel because they stretched from the base of the bluff to the river.  The bluff formations forced the travelers to look for a pass to allow them to move through the bluffs and continue their westward journey.  To see the badlands and what the emigrants were trying to avoid, continue on the North Overlook Trail.  

  These bluffs hold the secrets of time and have witnessed the vast travels of man.  The bluffs are now witnessing your journey and the journey of all the visitors who come to this National Monument.  Please help us preserve and protect this place and these stories it holds by passing on your story of your visit here to your friends and to your neighbors.