"Basaic Scotts Bluff National Monument Page" Scotts Bluff National Monument by Basaic

Scotts Bluff was a landmark along the Oregon and California Trails. Between 1841 and 1869 some 350,000 pioneers headed west in the shadow of Scotts Bluff. This is about 1/3 of the way along the trail. Settlers did not stay here long to celebrate, however, because they had to get through the mountain passes in the Rockys before winter or they could well die.

The visitors center has some nice displays about the history of the trails west, the people that took them and the local area.

Scotts Bluff

There is a trail to the top of Scotts Bluff. I think it is paved all the way but as you reach the bluff it gets steep. I wimped out and drove to the top.

Oregon Trail

A portion of the Old Oregon Trail goes right by the entrance to the park.