Wednesday we drove a little over 20 miles from Chimney Rock to Scottsbluff National Monument.
We’d read there were some hiking trails, but we had no idea it would be so fun and beautiful!
Scotts Bluff has served as a landmark for peoples from Native Americans to emigrants on the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails to modern travelers. There is currently no cost to visit, and it operates similar to a national park. There is a visitor’s center that is currently closed due to COVID-19.
There are three paved walking trails. Two are short, easy walks. The other is pretty strenuous, in a good way. It was definitely a work-out!
The trails are stroller friendly, though, we did have to navigate one part that was a bit uneven and had a drop-off to the side very delicately.
There were gorgeous views in all directions. The weather was great. We all kept saying how much we loved hiking at Scottsbluff.
We did bring a snack lunch, and we chose to eat it in this tunnel. It was cool and breezy, the perfect place for a break.
Visitors can drive to the top of the mountain to access two of the trails and to look at the great views. Also, there is a short trail at the bottom of the mountain that visitors can walk.
There are covered wagons on this trail that mark the start of the Oregon Trail Pathway. When the trail surface changes from asphalt to dirt, you are walking on the actual Oregon Trail.
We absolutely loved visiting Scottsbluff National Monument, and we definitely recommend it as a place to see!