Scotts Bluff National Monument - Gering, Nebraska

Описание: I really liked Scotts Bluff National Monument! For my first time visiting Nebraska...I just thought being in the mainland of America among these statuesque surroundings made for quite a fulfilling day trip along my cross country road journey!

It's real efficient to navigate around Scotts Bluff. Once you enter, you have the option of either driving to the top of the monument, or hiking it. I actually did both. It was no big deal. I was in no rush. If I had to recommend which option to take...I'd definitely prefer hiking to the top!!

The trail to the peak of Scotts Bluff is known as SADDLE ROCK TRAIL. It's a 1.6 mile path in each direction with an elevation change of 435 feet. The trailhead is located just behind the Visitor Center to the east. You can't miss it. And...you can park for as long as you'd like at the Visitor Center when hiking Saddle Rock Trail.

Saddle Rock Trail was a real moderate climb. I had no issues hiking it...maybe it took me an hour or so to navigate to the peak. But the best part about this Saddle Rock Trail was that it offered beautiful views of not only Scotts Bluff giant mesa/plateau, but also included the varying perspectives of the rugged rocks and terrain along the way. I paused plenty of times just to appreciate the scenery and take pictures.

Along Saddle Rock Trail...

The first 1/3 of the hike was easy from the Visitor Center.
The second 1/3 climbed to the foot tunnel.
The last 1/3 is the geological aspect from the foot tunnel to the summit. I must admit...this last 1/3 section was so impressive! The trail continued right along the side of the mountain w/ uninterrupted views of the Nebraska valley. And almost at the peak...there was a very statuesque looking cathedral rock formation. You can't miss this as you trek to the peak.

At the summit there were 2 little short paths/walkways to explore. They were the NORTH AND SOUTH TRAIL OVERLOOKS.

The North Trail Overlook "offered terrific sights of the North Platte River Valley, the badlands and the cities of Scotts Bluff and Gering". It's a 0.5 walk in length. Easy to do! This overlook really captured how high up you were in comparison to the heartland down below.

The South Trail Overlook "provided a view of Mitchell Pass, remnants of the Oregon Trail and Visitor center". This was another simple 0.4 mile walk. I really liked the panoramic scenery of Scotts Bluff Monument...sort of being the featured focus from this overlook area. It kind of resembled a mini "Monument Valley" in just how this giant mesa was carved out of the ground from nowhere. It was a cool setting!

Overall, both vista points were awesome...offering so many picturesque moments from high atop Scotts Bluff.

A little extra info to mention....

If you do drive to the top...you pass through 3 different tunnels along the way. An added bonus, lol. And...there was enough parking spots at the summit.
At the Visitor Center there is a 12 minute park video, obviously for future visitors who may be interested in the history of Scotts Bluff.
The Visitor Center is open 8am - 6pm during summer season.
The Summit Road is open 9am - 4:30pm for reduced hours during the summer season. All vehicles must be down from the summit by 5pm according to the guide.
Scotts Bluff National Monument is located in Gering, Nebraska, right near the border of Wyoming and 200 miles northeast of Denver.

Overall, exploring Scotts Bluff was a fulfilling way to spend the day understanding what this under the radar National Monument was all about.
I had this landmark highlighted on my to-do list for a while and I'm grateful to have finally had the opportunity to experience it first hand this summer.
Although Scotts Bluff is quite secluded and not very talked about...I highly recommend tourists, adventurers and park enthusiasts take time to organize a trip or itinerary here when planning out their travels.

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