The Trail In Nebraska That Will Lead You On An Adventure Like No Other
By Delana Lefevers|Published April 09, 2018
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
Nebraska is a casual hiker’s paradise – with so many trails all over the state, there’s always a fun hike to be found. If you’re looking for a rugged, heart-pumping hike, there’s no better place than this adventurous western Nebraska trail.
Saddle Rock Trail at the Scotts Bluff National Monument will take you on a thrilling adventure of just over three miles (out and back).
Views like this are the payoff for your effort. You can look out across the land below and imagine what it must have looked like when pioneers were traveling this land on their way west.
Up here you'll find photo ops like nowhere else. But don't stay behind your camera or phone the whole time! This is one of the most unusual, fascinating parts of Nebraska. Enjoy your time here and experience this spectacular setting.
The walk is rated as "easy" because it's paved and not terribly steep, but to be honest, it can be a bit of a challenge thanks to the elevation gain. If you need a more leisurely experience, you can take a shuttle up to the top from the visitors center and then walk back down. You'll still get to see the sights, but with less sweating.
A few words of caution on this adventurous hike: there's very little shade, so be sure to bring lots of water and wear sunscreen and protective clothing. There are rattlesnakes out here and lots of places where it's easy to slip and fall, so always be aware of your surroundings and stay on the marked trail. Rock slides are always a possibility, so the park staff recommends leaving the earbuds at home; you need to be able to hear any potential danger.
Don’t let those warnings scare you off, though. This is one truly memorable hike that you’ll want to relive over and over in memories and pictures! Find Scotts Bluff National Monument at 190276 Old Oregon Trail Road, Gering, NE 69341. Begin your hike at the trailhead, or stop in to the visitors center and ask about the Summit Shuttle that will take you right up to the top.
