Scotts Bluff National Monument

10/14/2026

Fossils have intrigued visitors to Scotts Bluff since at least the late 1800s. In 1870, paleontologist O.C. Marsh remarked, "so absorbing is the practical study of paleontology that sunset surprised us still at work."

With your help we can preserve Scotts Bluff's ancient past! If you discover a fossil while exploring the monument, make note of its location and report your find to a park ranger. For more information about laws designed to protect fossils, please visit https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/fossil-protection.htm

Image- A hyracodon skull erodes out of a badlands formation. NPS/Eric Grunwald

10/11/2026

“For the last three days we have been passing by bluffs romantic beyond description. The first we came to was what is called 'ancient bluff ruins' resembling castles, observatories and fortifications. The next place of note is the chimney rock; the base is a hill about 200 feet high, perfectly round and on the top of the rock about 40 feet high and 25 feet in diameter looking as though nature had erected a monument on purpose to surpass the efforts of man. The next in Scott’s Bluffs resembling a huge fortress.” - Samuel Craig Plummer, M.D., 1850


Pictured here are Chimney Rock, Dome Rock, and Scotts Bluff. There were many natural wonders that emigrants saw heading west to Oregon, California, and Utah. These images remained impressed in their minds. All three images Eric Grunwald/NPS

10/10/2026

A frequent sight in Western movies, tumbleweeds are common on the Great Plains. But what are tumbleweeds? They are plants that spread their seeds when they become detached from their base and blow in the wind. The most common tumbleweed that can be found at Scotts Bluff National Monument is the non-native Russian thistle.

On rare occasions strong winds blow tumbleweeds into large drifts like the one pictured here on the Summit Road. When this happens, park staff close the road until tumbleweeds can be safely removed.

Image: A white National Park Service vehicle drives into a pile of tumbleweeds that completely blocks the Scotts Bluff Summit Road. NPS Photo

10/05/2026

The temperatures might be cooling, but rattlesnakes are still active! While many people fear snakes, they play an important role in the monument ecosystem. Here are some tips to stay safe during the end of rattlesnake season:

-Stay on developed trails.
-Avoid walking through areas of tall grasses and shrubs.
-Do not let small children walk unattended in the monument.

If you do encounter a rattlesnake, you should:
-Stop where you are until you can locate the snake or snakes.
-Back away slowly.
-Keep a safe distance from the snake. (At least your own body length.)

You can help avoid dangerous, surprise snake interactions by staying alert while visiting the monument.

Image- A rattlesnake is coiled on the ground. NPS/Eric Grunwald

10/03/2026

Weathering and erosion shape the landscape at Scotts Bluff National Monument. The bluffs and badlands are visible evidence of these geologic processes. Take a closer look and you might notice less obvious evidence of these forces. Wind has twisted and rubbed the stalk of a sand lily into the soft sedimentary rock, leaving an imprint. What evidence of weathering and erosion have you noticed at the monument?

Image- Erosion caused by a flower stalk blowing in the wind. NPS/Ben Schutt

09/23/2026

The annual Monument Marathon will take place on Saturday, September 26th. For runner safety, Old Oregon Trail Road will only be open to westbound traffic between 8 am and 2 pm that day. All access to Scotts Bluff National Monument will be from the east (Gering) side of the monument. More information about roads impacted by the marathon:https://514045e7-eb89-4607-8568-aedde49f1a79.usrfiles.com/ugd/514045_2e6c832a09564529b66ef2a6ff9ddec4.pdf

Image- A participant in the 2023 Monument Marathon runs past the Conestoga Wagon on a foggy race day. NPS/Robert Wagner.

09/02/2026

Scotts Bluff National Monument is changing its operations for the fall/winter season. Starting Tuesday, September 8, the monument will transition to fall/winter hours. This means the monument visitor center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Scotts Bluff Summit Road will open to motorized vehicles at 9:00 a.m. with last entry at 4:00 p.m. All vehicles must be down and off the road by 4:30 p.m. Trails and grounds are open from sunrise until sunset.

We hope to see you enjoying the monument in the coming weeks!

Image- Scotts Bluff and cottonwood trees with colorful, fall foliage are reflected in the waters of a pond. NPS/Eric Grunwald

09/01/2026

Musician and composer David Boye will present "Music Inspired by Our National Parks" at Scotts Bluff National Monument on Monday, September 14 at 1 p.m. in the amphitheater behind the Scotts Bluff National Monument visitor center, 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, Nebraska.

David Boye has served as an Artist-in-Residence at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and North Cascades National Park. His instrumental guitar music is inspired by the natural world. His compositions incorporate recordings of sounds from national parks gathered during his travels throughout the United States. The program weaves together his original music and the sounds of the wilderness, capturing the spirit and beauty of the American West.

Image- David Boye, courtesy of David Boye.

08/24/2026

Our friends at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument are hiring!

Agate Fossil Beds is hiring! We are seeking a Park Ranger (Interpretation) to oversee the general operations of the Interpretive and Education team and programming, including visitor center operations. The person selected for this position would also develop and present a variety of formal and informal interpretive programs, to a wide variety of audiences; conduct research for interpretive programs; and develop social media posts for information, education, and interpretation.

This position is being advertised under two different hiring authorities. For more information about the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority and to apply see: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/881834400 -summary

For more information about the Competitive Service announcement and to apply see: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/881833300

Image- A park ranger interacts with three Junior Rangers at a table. NPS Photo