The public is invited to attend a FREE backcountry tour of the north side of Scotts Bluff National Monument on Tuesday, July 23rd at 6:00 p.m. The tour will leave from the Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center located at 190276 Old Oregon Trail in Gering, NE.
Park Ranger Matt Salomon will lead the group through the one of the monument’s prairie dog towns and end with a tour of the badlands formations. Each of the stops will include a ¼ mile long off-trail hike on uneven surfaces. The tour will take approximately 2 hours.
Due to the nature of the tour, participation will be limited to 50 people. Anyone wishing to participate must make a reservation by contacting the monument at (308) 436-9700. Due to the rough nature of the roads travelled, a high clearance vehicle (SUV or truck) is required. No ATVs will be permitted. There are no restrooms along the tour route, so visitors should use the visitor center restroom facilities before the caravan leaves. Participants should also bring drinking water and wear sturdy shoes for the short hikes. In the event of poor road condition, a different program will be offered.
For more information about Scotts Bluff National Monument, please call 308-436-9700 or visit our website at http://www.nps.gov/scbl/index.htm or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/scottsbluffnps.