The Legend of Scotts Bluff

Scotts Bluff, Nebraska is a 19th-century landmark positioned on the Oregon and Mormon Trail. 

The National Monument contains multiple bluffs located on the south side of the North Platte River.

Scotts Bluff

We’re excited to step onto this trail once crowded by pioneers!

IMG_9033

Scotts Bluff is a landmark used by over 250,000 travellers between 1843 and 1869 and was the second most referred to landmark on the Oregon, Mormon, and California trails.

IMG_9043

With the van parked, it’s time to visit the visitors center.

IMG_9072

Inside the ranger tells us we are the first visitors of the day…. It’s 2:00PM!!!!

Maybe it’s the cold that deterred other visitors from making their way out to this historic monument.

IMG_9098

The ranger informs us the roads are clear if we are interested in driving to the top….

Of course we are!!!!

The Drive to the Top

IMG_9077

Turning the first corner, we are met with a tunnel through the rock to guide us to the top.

IMG_9126

Exiting the tunnel, we see snow sprinkled cliffs

IMG_9130

The drive is short and we finally arrive at the top to the viewing point.

Nebraska is flat!, and the bluff is not…

This lets viewers see considerably far in the distance… if the earth wasn’t round, I’m sure we could see even further!

IMG_9175

Tommy and Ralph take a closer look through the viewing scope.

IMG_9154

Wonder what they’re looking at?

IMG_9149

Well, you have to pay to actually look through, so they’re not seeing anything through the scope…. 😛

The view that lies before them is pretty spectacular though!

IMG_9155

Ralph cannot help to stare in admiration! 🐶

IMG_9165

… And Back Down

It’s been an exciting visit to the top to get a new perspective of the history below us, but it is time to head back down.

On our way, we stop on the other side of the bluff to see what views are offered from there.

IMG_9192

Between the sun and the snow, the views are dazzling!

IMG_9218

Looking back, we can see the steep rock face following the road.

IMG_9203

We get the excitement of travelling through each of the bluff’s tunnels going down as well.

IMG_9220

The sun provides a divine prop when taking pictures of the bluff! 🌞

IMG_9224

IMG_9239

With an elevation gain of 800 ft above the North Platte River, its no wonder why this bluff was commonly used as a landmark for travellers on the Oregon Trail.

IMG_9235

Exciting times, travelling back to the visitors center! 🙆‍♂️🙅‍♂️🙆‍♂️🙅‍♂️

IMG_9248

With the sunshine on our backs and the bluffs whispering their farewells, we have reached the base.

IMG_9255

Curious how the bluff received its name???? 🤔

Legend has it that a fur trapper named Hiram Scott died alone at the base of the bluff after being left by his companions. It was then called Scotts Bluff, in memory of the forgotten mountain man.

IMG_9263

Through the use of journals, diaries and drawings, it’s clear why the western travelling pioneers used this as a landmark establish their bearings on the trail.

IMG_9268

The Oregon Trail Transport

It is now time we take a closer look at their modes of transportation.

IMG_9269

We make sure to read and adhere to each sign we pass.

Do snakes even come out in the snow?

IMG_9271

When the trail was first used, it was only suitable for travel by foot and horse. With the increase of travellers, the trail was altered to make it accessible by wagon.

IMG_9273

It was said to take over 6 months to travel the Oregon Trail in its entirety! We can’t imagine that amount of time with these wagons as the only means of shelter in most areas. We’re only in our van 3 months and think that is plenty long!

IMG_9274

On the trail, travellers expected to encounter numerous perils such as inclement weather, illness, injury, dangerous wildlife, and hostile locals.

IMG_9278

The trails were rugged and dangerous, offering no mercy to the travellers on their way to a new beginning.

IMG_9286

Typically, the wagons were not even used for travelling in. Most of the time the wagons were so full of belongings and means for survival, the travellers had to walk beside the wagon with the oxen.

IMG_9287

We wonder if in real life the oxen would have frozen ice on their underside?!?!?!

IMG_9296

Scoops and Ralph are enjoying this historic adventure!!

IMG_9306

It has been fun learning some of the history of the Oregon Trail, but it is time to head to the #1 landmark used on the Oregon Trail by it’s travellers.

Driving along, we just happen to come across flock, after flock, after flock, of geese!!! If you look closely you can see!!!

IMG_0557Can you imagine what they left at their last landing…… 💩

Spread the love