Mitchell Pass Oregon Trail
Historic passage through Scotts Bluff, a key landmark on the Oregon Trail, now a scenic highway and accessible historic path.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Mitchell Pass Oregon Trail
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic passage through Scotts Bluff, a key landmark on the Oregon Trail, now a scenic highway and accessible historic path.
"Walk the Old Oregon Trail path for stunning views and a real sense of pioneer history. "
🚶♀️ Hike the Old Trail
Don't drive Mitchell Pass; walk the parallel old Oregon Trail path for history & views. :athletic_shoe:
📍 Start at Visitor Center
Access the old trail easily from the Scotts Bluff Visitor Center. :world_map:
Quick Facts
Rating
5 · 4 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Old Oregon Trail Path
Parallel to Highway 92, near Scotts Bluff Visitor Center
Walk in the footsteps of pioneers on this historic trail, offering stunning views of Scotts Bluff.
Scotts Bluff National Monument Views
From the Old Oregon Trail Path
Experience breathtaking vistas of the iconic Scotts Bluff formations, a landmark for westward travelers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand Mitchell Pass
Accessing the Old Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Hike the Old Trail
Don't drive Mitchell Pass; walk the parallel old Oregon Trail path for history & views. :athletic_shoe:
📍 Start at Visitor Center
Access the old trail easily from the Scotts Bluff Visitor Center. :world_map:
📸 Capture the Scenery
The views of Scotts Bluff from the old trail are spectacular, especially in good light. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Hike the Old Trail
Don't drive Mitchell Pass; walk the parallel old Oregon Trail path for history & views. :athletic_shoe:
📍 Start at Visitor Center
Access the old trail easily from the Scotts Bluff Visitor Center. :world_map:
📸 Capture the Scenery
The views of Scotts Bluff from the old trail are spectacular, especially in good light. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Mitchell Pass to be a historically significant and visually striking area, especially when exploring the Old Oregon Trail path. While the highway itself is just a pass-through, the adjacent trail offers beautiful views of Scotts Bluff and a tangible connection to pioneer history. Some note that the highway is not for walking, emphasizing the importance of using the designated trail for the best experience.
"The Mitchell pass is the highway between the two monument. You cannot hike there as it is a street. Instead, you can take the old Oregon trail which goes in parallel to Mitchell Pasd. Once you are at the Scotts Bluff visitor center, the old Oregon trail which is right across the visitor center. This trail is just half to 3 quarter mile each way (not loop). From this old Oregon trail you can have nice views of the monument."
Madan Kundu
"Mitchell pass is one of the most beautiful place to visit in nebraska so much history and not what you would expect to see in Nebraska"
angryplaystationNerd4
"A must see when near by"
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mitchell Pass is a section of Highway 92 that cuts through Scotts Bluff National Monument in Nebraska. While you can drive through it, many visitors recommend parking near the Scotts Bluff Visitor Center and accessing the parallel Old Oregon Trail path for a more immersive experience.
Yes, Mitchell Pass was a crucial natural landmark and passage for pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail, California Trail, and Mormon Trail. It provided a vital route through the rugged terrain.
Yes, Mitchell Pass is a public highway (Highway 92) and can be driven through. However, for a historical perspective and better views, exploring the adjacent Old Oregon Trail path is highly recommended.
The best way is to park at the Scotts Bluff Visitor Center and walk the Old Oregon Trail path, which runs parallel to the highway. This allows you to experience the landscape as pioneers did and get excellent views of the bluffs.
The highway itself (Mitchell Pass) is a busy road and not safe for walking. The Old Oregon Trail path, which runs alongside it, is a designated trail and safe for hiking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mitchell Pass itself, as a highway, is free to drive through. However, it is located within Scotts Bluff National Monument, which has an entrance fee. The Old Oregon Trail path is accessible from the visitor center area.
As a public highway, Mitchell Pass is open 24/7. The Old Oregon Trail path and the Scotts Bluff Visitor Center have specific operating hours, which vary by season. Check the National Park Service website for current times.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Scotts Bluff National Monument. This fee covers access to the monument grounds, including the visitor center and trails like the Old Oregon Trail path.
Typically, access to the Old Oregon Trail path is within the boundaries of Scotts Bluff National Monument, so the monument entrance fee would apply. It's best to confirm with the National Park Service directly.
Tickets for Scotts Bluff National Monument can usually be purchased at the entrance station or the visitor center upon arrival. It's advisable to check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date information on purchasing options.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Mitchell Pass offers a glimpse into the historic Oregon Trail route. The main attraction is the dramatic passage through Scotts Bluff ridge. Visitors can walk the Old Oregon Trail path for views of the bluffs and imagine pioneer life.
The Old Oregon Trail path is about 1.5 to 2 miles round trip, taking approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to complete at a leisurely pace, allowing time for photos and reflection.
Restroom facilities are available at the Scotts Bluff Visitor Center, which is the primary access point for the Old Oregon Trail path.
The Old Oregon Trail path is a natural surface trail and may not be fully accessible for strollers or wheelchairs, especially in certain sections. The visitor center area is generally accessible.
You might spot various prairie wildlife such as pronghorn, deer, coyotes, and numerous bird species. Always maintain a safe distance and do not feed the animals.
📸 📸 Photography
The Old Oregon Trail path offers the best vantage points for photographing Scotts Bluff. Look for areas with clear views of the formations, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Early morning and late afternoon provide the most dramatic lighting for photography, with softer shadows and warmer hues. Midday sun can be harsh.
While you can take photos from your car, it's not recommended for safety reasons. Pull over at designated viewpoints or park at the visitor center to safely access photo opportunities along the Old Oregon Trail path.
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the vastness of the landscape, and a telephoto lens can isolate details of the bluffs. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions. :camerawithflash:
Drone usage is typically restricted within National Park Service sites, including Scotts Bluff National Monument. Always check the official NPS regulations before flying a drone.
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