Robidoux RV Park

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We traveled to the park a day early as a storm with high winds was forecast for our original departure date. Once settled in, we drove into Scottsbluff and Mike got a haircut and we both got flu vaccines. Gusts were in the mid 40's by afternoon, though. We stay settled in the RV until Friday afternoon. After the wind calmed down a little, we enjoyed walking a few laps around the RV park to get some exercise. We let it warm up on Saturday and then headed to Scottsbluff National Monument. First, we toured the museum and watched the short video. Then, we drove up to the parking lot at the top of the bluff. The 1.6 mile drive up is through 3 tunnels in the bluff. At the top of the plateau, we hiked the south and north overlook trails. Beautiful overlooks! When we came back down, we walked over to the Oregon Trail reproduction wagons and walked along part of the actual trail. We saw 4 big horn sheep cross the road! We then drove to Chimney Rock. We opted to skip the museum and drove over to the access trail. The new parking area and trails are only 12 weeks old and there is a 1 mile or 2 mile loop that takes you to a nice view of Chimney Rock. The area was previously cattle grazing land. A foundation purchased it to give closer access to Chimney Rock. Sunday, we enjoyed a service at Central Church of Christ. After church we headed to the Mixing Bowl restaurant for breakfast. Delicious!

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Photos

Robidoux RV Park
This was a nice clean and cheap place to stay near Scotts Bluff.

Scottsbluff National Monument
Towering 800 feet above the North Platte River, Scotts Bluff has served as a landmark for peoples from Native Americans to emigrants on the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails to modern travelers.

Scottsbluff National Monument
We drove the 1.6 mile Summit Road to catch a view from the top of Scotts Bluff. Built in the 1930's, the Summit Road is the oldest concrete road in the State of Nebraska. This is the South Overlook.

Scottsbluff National Monument
South Overlook at one end of Saddle Rock.

Scottsbluff National Monument
Every direction an amazing view!

Scottsbluff National Monument
North Overlook.

Scottsbluff National Monument
North Overlook. The stark, barren and deep ravines of the badlands below were too difficult for wagons to traverse and forced wagon trains through Mitchell Pass instead.

Scottsbluff National Monument
North Overlook.

Scottsbluff National Monument
The view going down Summit Road.

Scottsbluff National Monument
The view going down Summit Road.

Scottsbluff National Monument
This replica Conestoga wagon is on the actual Oregon Trail. Eagle Rock looms in the background.

Scottsbluff National Monument
By the time the wagons reached the bluff, they had traveled one third of the 2,170 mile trip to Oregon. The bluff symbolized a new phase of the journey, leaving the plains and getting into the mountains.

Chimney Rock National Historic Site
Chimney Rock is only 23 miles east of Scotts Bluff National Monument.

Chimney Rock National Historic Site
It rises nearly 300 feet above the surrounding North Platte River valley. This unique formation came to symbolize the greatest voluntary migration in the history of mankind.

Chimney Rock National Historic Site
Just recently, a new parking area and trails allow you to get much closer to Chimney Rock. No one is allowed to approach the base of the monument or climb the walls.