The Monument is in the northwestern part of the state, close to the Wyoming border. It is on the south bank of the North Platte River on the Oregon Trail (Highway 26). Go three miles west of Gering on NE 92. From U.S. 26 turn south on NE 71 for five miles to NE 92. From Kimball on I-80, go north about forty-five miles on NE 71.
WHEN TO VISIT
Open year round. The road to the top is closed due to snow or rock slides in Winter. Peak visitor month is June. Winters are cold, 10 to 40 degrees F; Summers are hot, 75 to 92 degrees F.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Rising 800 feet above the valley floor, this massive promontory was a landmark on the Oregon Trail, associated with overland migration between 1842 and 1869 across the Great Plains.
Chimney Rock National Historic Site is just east of Scotts Bluff, at Bayard on Highway 26. Visitors can view bluff formations, wildlife, and the valley from the one and a half mile Saddle Rock Trail. From the Summit, visitors can hike the one mile of trails to overlooks to view the historic Mitchell Pass and North Platte River Valley. A 200-yard trail from the Museum takes visitors to the Oregon and California Trail, which is a trough, worn down by passage of thousands of emigrants. Food, supplies, and overnight accommodations are available in Gering (three miles east) and Scottsbluff (seven miles).
