scotts bluff view

Scotts Bluff is a magnificent scene that awaits you on the trail. Where Nebraska changes from flat to rock formations rising above the land.

For those travelling west on the Oregon Trail there are many great landmarks that helped them on their way. And this is most certainly one of them.

entry sign Scotts Bluff National Monument

After a couple of days on the Oregon Trail you have travelled westwards over the vast miles of the flat prairies with big skies of Kansas and Nebraska.

Suddenly though, when you get into western Nebraska the landscape changes. Scotts Bluff welcomes you into a new kind of terrain.

BaldHiker Retreats

The Two Bluffs

A bluff is an American term and means a rounded cliff or rocky edge. Not so vertically edged like a true cliff itself.

north scotts Bluff

Scotts Bluff actually consists of two Bluffs, South and North Bluff with the latter being literally named Scotts Bluff.

How Was Scotts Bluff named?

Before the pioneers of course came the fur trappers. And a grizzly and sad tale from one of these groups gave the Bluffs their name.

overview Scotts Bluff National Monument

In 1825 a group of trappers canoeing along the river capsized and ruined their guns and powder. Little was known of the area in this time so they foraged and walked. They ended up 60 miles from the bluffs. One of the party was called Hiram Scott and he became severely ill.

big view from Scotts Bluff National Monument

The group saw signs of a trail and decided to follow it but made the decision to leave Scott behind to his slow demise. He couldn’t walk. They simply told Scott they were going to look for food and left him. They followed the trail and survived but kept what they did to Scott a secret.

landscape of scotts bluff

The next year, the same group, with others were near the the rocks. They found a bleached skull that could only have been the man named Scott they left to die. However they realised he must have crawled the 60 miles to this area in desperation.

badlands of scotts bluff

The rock monument was therefore named after him.

The Oregon Trail originally passed here nearer the North Platte River, it was a difficult area to pass nearer to the river and this area was known as the ‘badlands’.

scotts bluff cliff

Eventually a better pass was made that passed straight through the middle of the two bluffs. Mitchell Pass.

Little is known of life around here before then but there are signs it was used for camping and for looking down to chase and hunt the Buffalo that used to be very prevalent here before non-native people arrived.

one of the bluffs

Once the traders had established the Oregon and Mormon Trails that passed by, many thousands recalled it as a great landmark on their wagon train journey to the west.

scotts bluff stone cliff

Walking The Bluffs

Today of course it is still a striking landmark. A great group of bluffs and rocks that invite you to explore them top to bottom.

You can take the climb on foot (about 1 and half miles) or you can take the easy way and drive to the top and wander around. The views are remarkable.

Nebraska: Scotts Bluff National Monument

The rock formations may look stunning from below or afar but they take on a whole new sense from above. You can see literally for miles and miles. The true summit is 240 m (800 ft).

Whilst I was there this day a storm was brewing over the prairie giving a great dramatic feel.

view from scotts bluff

This is an area of Nebraska well renowned for its rock monuments. This was a landmark for those travelling west and this section was full of dramatic rock formations. Scotts Bluff is not far from Chimney Rock too.

Ancient stone that guided people of old towards the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the west. Scotts Bluff is a must visit amongst them. A place you must see for yourself to appreciate.

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5 Comments

  1. Patrick Ereditario says:

    I spent 4years in Scottsbluff going to the now defunct Hiram Scott College. I hiked the trail up the bluff several times and rode up too. The view is spectacular, breathtaking. Miles and miles of of visible beauty and you were privileged to watch a storm move across the landscape. I am from Pennsylvania living in Ohio and have made 4 trips back to see it

  2. Stephen Garone says:

    Thanks for the post! Will be going in the fall, and now with a better reason.

  3. Brenda Webb says:

    Beautiful pics and love the story behind the name. You never bore me and always keep me coming back for more. Have a wonderful day Paul.

  4. Very cool! I always think of Nebraska as being flat and forget that the landscape changes in the west. Would love to follow the Oregon Trail one day!

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