Scotts Bluff National Monument in Gering, Nebraska stands an impressive 800 feet above the North Platte River surrounded by the plains of Nebraska. Stop in to the visitor’s center first to greet and learn about the history of the area from cheerful and pleasant park rangers who are genuinely interested in their park.

We camped a short distance away at Riverside Campground, which actually offers great views of Scotts Bluff. We set up a tent, enjoyed complimentary firewood, and the campground even has a bathroom/shower house on site. The campground is adjacent to a zoo, so the sounds of animals are occasionally present. I believe we heard a few dozen monkey calls in the night, though they weren’t disruptive enough to challenge good sleep.

Saddle Rock Trail

The 3.2 mile roundtrip hike from the visitor’s center to the summit of Scotts Bluff is absolutely stunning. It is fairly steep, but I feel like the trail gradually ascends at a mostly comfortable rate. The views from the top of the endless prairie with a city nestled near on one side are remarkable.

Scotts Bluff National Monument is the first of nearly a dozen national park units we are visiting on this week-long road trip. And it fully impresses. Scotts Bluff has long served as a landmark for peoples from Native Americans to emigrants on the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails. The landscape is stunning from the bottom, and just gets better and better as you hike the 1.6 mile trail to the summit.

There are nearly four miles of hiking trails to experience at Scotts Bluff National Monument. We did walk most of the available trails while here, as the day is exceedingly beautiful. All are paved, and at least on our chilly visit, uncrowded.

The higher you ascend the trail, the more breathtaking the views become. One of the (many) favorite parts of hiking for me, is looking back to see just how far I have come. This is a trail to easily see your advancement, as most of the hike is ascends one side of the cliff.

A Picturesque Tunnel

A key feature of the Saddle Rock trail hike the summit, is when the trail travels directly through the rock forming a surprising and beautiful tunnel. In this area you can’t help but notice the cliff swallows and white-throated swifts fly through the air. Watch closely to find their nests made from mud plastered to the cliff sides.

Is there anything better than the weather being chilly enough for a jacket and beanie during a summer hike? Coming from Oklahoma just the previous morning, I thrilled to embrace the colder weather.

Wildlife Viewing

Amusingly enough, the first sight of wildlife on our hike happened near the end. We laid eyes on a little beetle digging in the dirt, and I said “Look, our first wildlife viewing.” A few more steps along the path met us with two coyotes trotting up the hill, mere feet from us! An incredible experience, we stood and watched greedily as they cleaned one another’s ears and surveyed the land.

National Park Service unit 126/423.