Saddle Ridge: A Scenic Hike in Scotts Bluff Nebraska
- Stephen Warner
- Apr 5
- 3 min read
Nebraska might not be on your hiking bucket list (remember that brutally honest tourism slogan: “Nebraska—Honestly, it’s not for everyone”), but don’t sleep on the western edge of the state. Scotts Bluff National Monument serves up rugged rock formations, quiet trails, and a surprising slice of American history, all in one neat package.
And if you're a history buff? Even better! This area played a major role along the legendary Oregon Trail.
Trail Info
Trailhead Name | Saddle Ridge Trail |
Distance | 3.2 miles / 5.2 km (out and back) |
Estimated time | 1-3 hours |
Elevation gain | 450 ft / 140 m |
Highest point | 4,659 ft / 1,420 m (Scotts Bluff Summit) |
Permits / fees | None |
Parking | Paved lot |
Toilets? | Yes |
Dog friendly? | Yes |
Know before you go
This trail is almost entirely shadeless, which makes midday hikes a sweaty experience. Hat? Check. Sunscreen? Double-check.
The summit road does have seasonal operating hours, which is only relevant if you're planning to meet someone driving up.
There are two short summit spurs (North and South Viewpoints). Both are worth the detour for new perspectives with minimal extra effort.
Other trails leaving from same area
Distance: 1 miles (1.6 km) out and back
Elevation gain: 100 ft (30 m) gain
Details: A brief but cool walk past covered wagon replicas and historic trail markers.
Distance: 2.4 miles (3.8 km) out and back
Elevation gain: 100 ft (30 m) gain
Details: A gentle trail along the eastern monument boundary—open to hikers and bikers alike.
The Trail
The trail kicks off behind the Scotts Bluff Visitor Center. The picture above is actually from the Oregon Trail Pathway, with Eagle Rock looming in the background.
And if you grew up playing Oregon Trail on one of those colored iMacs (yes, you did die of dysentery), this is a detour you’ll appreciate. Nostalgia hits hard.
But let’s get back to the main event, Saddle Rock Trail.
The path is paved the entire way, which makes for easy footing but doesn’t mean it’s a cakewalk. It climbs steadily, giving your legs a decent workout.
The path winds its way alongside towering rock formations, offering some dramatic perspectives of the landscape.
Then comes one of the trail’s unique features—a short tunnel carved right through the rock. It’s a fun surprise that feels like stepping through a portal..
...because what greets you on the other side is a totally different scene. The rugged cliffs disappear, replaced by wide-open plains that stretch endlessly to the north. The contrast is striking and makes the tunnel feel like a gateway between two worlds.
Eventually, you’ll start to see Saddle Rock itself come into view. True to its name, it looks like a saddle perched on a giant stone spine.
The final push to the summit. Once there, you have a a few choices.
Follow the short spur to the North Viewpoint, offering views the North Platte River and the surrounding plans.
Or you can take a spur on the opposite side to the South Viewpoint. Here you get great angle of Summit Road, the oldest concrete road in the State of Nebraska. Looks like a fun drive, but I prefer the hike.
Or you can do both! Or neither! You can simply admire Saddle Rock a bit more before trekking back down. There are no wrong choices at the summit of Scotts Bluff.
SS Reflections
Scotts Bluff wasn’t a planned destination. I was on my way home to Denver after adventuring with my parents in South Dakota’s Black Hills (and summiting the state’s highest peak with my mom—shoutout to her!).
Looking for a way to break up the drive, I searched for interesting stops... and boom, Scotts Bluff popped up. Honestly, it turned out to be a gem. The Oregon Trail nods brought back childhood memories, but it was the rock formations that stole the show.
Nebraska might say it’s “not for everyone,” but I guess I’m one of those anyones.
Other helpful resources
NPS official webpage with details on Saddle Ridge