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Scotts Bluff National Monument: fees, hours, camping and when to visit
Scotts Bluff National Monument is a National Park System unit in Nebraska[5]. NPS lists it as a fee-free park with no entrance fee[1].
Entrance fees and passes
The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for Scotts Bluff National Monument[1]. Some tours, campgrounds or permits inside a park can still have their own fees.
When to visit and hours
In 2025 the busiest month was July with 28,444 recreation visits, and the quietest was January with 3,778[2]. NPS describes summers as dry, with highs in the 80's and 90's and sometimes above 100[6]. Winter highs range from the 40's to the low 50's, and nights fall below freezing[6]. Spring is the windiest season, though wind can come any time of year[6]. The grounds, picnic area and trails have their own hours, and the Visitor Center and Summit Road have different ones[7]. The Summit Road is a drive to the summit that may close at times for weather or rockslides[8]. NPS lists Summit Road entry for motor vehicles from September through late May as 9 AM to 4 PM[8]. Listed closures include Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day[8]. Call (308) 436-9700 for current road conditions[8].
Show visits by month
| Month, 2025 | Recreation visits |
|---|---|
| January | 3,778 |
| February | 3,867 |
| March | 10,369 |
| April | 12,944 |
| May | 20,493 |
| June | 27,323 |
| July | 28,444 |
| August | 25,334 |
| September | 22,162 |
| October | 12,812 |
| November | 7,594 |
| December | 7,272 |
Pets and dogs
The national NPS pet rule says pets must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than six feet where they are allowed[9]. Pets are not allowed in public buildings, and service animals are excepted[9]. NPS marks pets as permitted on several activities here, including the Summit Road drive and hiking[10]. Each park can close more areas to pets, so check with the park[9].
Before you go
Questions people ask
- Is there an entrance fee at Scotts Bluff National Monument?
- NPS lists it as a fee-free park with no entrance fee[1].
- When is the best time to visit Scotts Bluff?
- In 2025 July had the most recreation visits at 28,444 and January the fewest at 3,778[2]. NPS notes summers are dry and spring is the windiest season[6].
Facts and sources
- NPS lists Scotts Bluff National Monument as a fee-free park: there is no entrance fee. National Park Service
- NPS recreation visits by month, 2025 (chart on this page). NPS Visitor Use Statistics
- NPS recreation visits per year: 2021: 194,027, 2022: 174,651, 2023: 174,267, 2024: 183,915, 2025: 182,392. NPS Visitor Use Statistics
- Visitor centers listed by NPS: 1 (Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center). National Park Service
- Scotts Bluff National Monument is a unit of the U.S. National Park System (designation: National Monument) in Nebraska. National Park Service
- NPS weather and seasons overview for Scotts Bluff National Monument. National Park Service
- Operating hours, Scotts Bluff National Monument: Scotts Bluff National Monument is located in the Mountain Time Zone. These hours are for the grounds, picnic area, and trails only. The hours for the Visitor Center and Summit Road are different. See below... National Park Service
- Operating hours, Scotts Bluff Summit Road: The Scotts Bluff Summit Road is a 1.6-mile drive to the summit of Scotts Bluff. Be aware that the road may close periodically due to weather conditions or rockslides. For the latest Summit Road conditions contact... National Park Service
- National Park Service rule 36 CFR 2.15: where pets are allowed they must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, and pets are not allowed in public buildings, on public transportation or on designated swimming beaches (service... eCFR, 36 CFR 2.15
- NPS lists 11 things to do at Scotts Bluff National Monument: Viewing the William Henry Jackson Collection, Drive the Scotts Bluff Summit Road, Scotts Bluff Ranger Programs, Backcountry Hiking South Bluff, Stamp Your Passport Book, Become a Scotts Bluff... National Park Service
- Activities NPS lists for Scotts Bluff National Monument: Arts and Culture, Cultural Demonstrations, Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Biking, Food, Picnicking, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Hiking, Backcountry Hiking, Front-Country Hiking, Living... National Park Service