Backcountry Hiking South Bluff

The area within Scotts Bluff National Monument south of the Old Oregon Trail highway and directly across from the Visitor Center is known as “South Bluff”. The summit of South Bluff is 4,692 feet above sea level and is a relatively unspoiled area of considerable scenic value, abounding in features of geological and botanical interest. South Bluff rises above the flat prairie in geologic strata of sandstone, siltstone, volcanic ash and limestone. This area is unimproved and there are no improvements planned. Of the five named rocks within the monument, South Bluff features three: Dome Rock, Crown Rock, and Sentinel Rock. It is not permitted to climb Dome Rock, Crown Rock or Sentinel Rock because of the dangerously soft nature of the Brule clay formation that makes up their steep walls. At the western end of South Bluff is Mitchell Pass. This pass is formed with Sentinel Rock on the south side of the pass and Eagle Rock on the north. The eastern end of South Bluff gradually lowers in elevation, forming isolated prominences of which Dome Rock is the largest. The western end remains at a significant elevation above the prairie. Between Sentinel Rock and Crown Rock is a “gap” referred to as Coyote Pass. Coyote Pass is 4,331 feet above sea level. South Bluff geology is similar to Scotts Bluff (to the north) and also has similar vegetation.