Here in Nebraska, we have countless opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors. While you could easily devote an entire day to exploring our impressive hiking trails, sometimes, it’s the shorter hikes that can be the most enjoyable. That’s certainly true of the Saddle Rock Trail, a 3-mile round-trip adventure that promises tons of scenery along the way. The next time you’re looking for a beautiful hiking trail in Nebraska, look no further than the Saddle Rock Trail. Come see why it’s earned a place among the best hikes in Nebraska:
Welcome to the Saddle Rock Trail, largely considered to be one of Nebraska’s most beautiful hiking trails. Despite the fact that it’s relatively short, this hike packs a mean punch.
Jean De Santos / AllTrails
The trek is situated within the beautiful Scotts Bluff National Monument Area. The paved trail is well-maintained, but hikers should note that there’s approximately 500 feet of elevation gain.
Bryan Holekamp / AllTrails
One of the most fascinating parts of the trail is the foot tunnel, which was created in 1933 as a test before the completion of the Summit Road’s vehicular tunnels.
Jean De Santos / AllTrails
As you continue upward, be sure to take note of the unique geological composition of the bluff. This is the result of eroding sediment layers.
Greg Lind / AllTrails
After approximately 1.7 miles, you’ll have reached the breathtaking overlook and the trail’s namesake attraction, Saddle Rock.
Jean De Santos / AllTrails
As you admire the scenery before you, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll be in a very active rockfall area. To ensure your safety, be sure to remain on the trail.
Greg Lind / AllTrails
So the next time you’re looking for an epic Nebraska trail that won’t require much of a time commitment, you’ll know exactly where to go. Happy hiking!
Matthew Beck / AllTrails
Have you hiked the Saddle Rock Trail before? What did you think of it? We’d love to hear all about your experiences – leave us a comment and join in on the conversation!
Jean De Santos / AllTrails
Bryan Holekamp / AllTrails
Greg Lind / AllTrails
Matthew Beck / AllTrails
Curious to explore some of Nebraska’s other great hiking trails that won’t take all day? Check out our list of the best hikes in Nebraska under 5 miles. There’s really something for everyone!
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Address: Scotts Bluff National Monument, 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE 69341, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Nebraska April 01, 2022 Tori Jane What are some of the best easy hikes in Nebraska? With more than 200 wonderful hiking trails in Nebraska to choose from, how do you know where to begin? Well, why not with some of the best easy hikes in the state? Of the 200+ hikes in Nebraska we know of, the vast majority of them are easy, thanks in part to the mostly-flat terrain that makes up our beautiful little state. So, what are some of the best easy hikes in Nebraska? We love trails like Wehrspann Lake Full Loop, which can be found at the Chalco Hills Recreational Area. It’s six miles long but quite easy, and a favorite among the locals as well. We also love the Standing Bear Lake Loop at Standing Bear Lake Park, a three-mile trek through beautiful wildlands and relaxing nature. Other favorites include Flanagan Lake Trail (5.2 miles long), Tranquility Trail (5.6 miles long), and Antelope Creek Trail (2.3 miles long). If you love exploring the outdoors, these are definitely some of the best easy hikes in Nebraska to embark upon! What are the most scenic hikes in Nebraska? Who says Nebraska can’t be an amazing place to hike and take in scenic views? We sure don’t - and anyone who tells you otherwise is mistaken (or wrong). Some of our favorite amazingly scenic hikes in Nebraska include gems like trails weaving through Fort Robinson State Park, which is easily one of the most scenic destinations in Nebraska, period. Head to Indian Cave State Park and embark on the trails there, too – fans of boardwalk hikes will love those ones! There are also multiple amazing scenic trails at other Nebraska state parks as well, like every trail at Scotts Bluff National Monument, the trails at Toadstool Geologic Park, and the Nebraska National Forest. As it turns out, one doesn’t need mountains and gorges to make the hiking amazing; as long as the surroundings around us are beautiful, that’s all we need!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Nebraska
April 01, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some of the best easy hikes in Nebraska? With more than 200 wonderful hiking trails in Nebraska to choose from, how do you know where to begin? Well, why not with some of the best easy hikes in the state? Of the 200+ hikes in Nebraska we know of, the vast majority of them are easy, thanks in part to the mostly-flat terrain that makes up our beautiful little state. So, what are some of the best easy hikes in Nebraska? We love trails like Wehrspann Lake Full Loop, which can be found at the Chalco Hills Recreational Area. It’s six miles long but quite easy, and a favorite among the locals as well. We also love the Standing Bear Lake Loop at Standing Bear Lake Park, a three-mile trek through beautiful wildlands and relaxing nature. Other favorites include Flanagan Lake Trail (5.2 miles long), Tranquility Trail (5.6 miles long), and Antelope Creek Trail (2.3 miles long). If you love exploring the outdoors, these are definitely some of the best easy hikes in Nebraska to embark upon! What are the most scenic hikes in Nebraska? Who says Nebraska can’t be an amazing place to hike and take in scenic views? We sure don’t - and anyone who tells you otherwise is mistaken (or wrong). Some of our favorite amazingly scenic hikes in Nebraska include gems like trails weaving through Fort Robinson State Park, which is easily one of the most scenic destinations in Nebraska, period. Head to Indian Cave State Park and embark on the trails there, too – fans of boardwalk hikes will love those ones! There are also multiple amazing scenic trails at other Nebraska state parks as well, like every trail at Scotts Bluff National Monument, the trails at Toadstool Geologic Park, and the Nebraska National Forest. As it turns out, one doesn’t need mountains and gorges to make the hiking amazing; as long as the surroundings around us are beautiful, that’s all we need!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
With more than 200 wonderful hiking trails in Nebraska to choose from, how do you know where to begin? Well, why not with some of the best easy hikes in the state? Of the 200+ hikes in Nebraska we know of, the vast majority of them are easy, thanks in part to the mostly-flat terrain that makes up our beautiful little state. So, what are some of the best easy hikes in Nebraska? We love trails like Wehrspann Lake Full Loop, which can be found at the Chalco Hills Recreational Area. It’s six miles long but quite easy, and a favorite among the locals as well. We also love the Standing Bear Lake Loop at Standing Bear Lake Park, a three-mile trek through beautiful wildlands and relaxing nature. Other favorites include Flanagan Lake Trail (5.2 miles long), Tranquility Trail (5.6 miles long), and Antelope Creek Trail (2.3 miles long). If you love exploring the outdoors, these are definitely some of the best easy hikes in Nebraska to embark upon!
What are the most scenic hikes in Nebraska?
Who says Nebraska can’t be an amazing place to hike and take in scenic views? We sure don’t - and anyone who tells you otherwise is mistaken (or wrong). Some of our favorite amazingly scenic hikes in Nebraska include gems like trails weaving through Fort Robinson State Park, which is easily one of the most scenic destinations in Nebraska, period. Head to Indian Cave State Park and embark on the trails there, too – fans of boardwalk hikes will love those ones! There are also multiple amazing scenic trails at other Nebraska state parks as well, like every trail at Scotts Bluff National Monument, the trails at Toadstool Geologic Park, and the Nebraska National Forest. As it turns out, one doesn’t need mountains and gorges to make the hiking amazing; as long as the surroundings around us are beautiful, that’s all we need!
