Oregon Trail: Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff

While in Torrington, WY we decided to explore a little and found out that the Oregon Trail went right through the area. So we followed the North Platte River and US 26 and travelled east to our first destination; Scotts Bluff.

Scotts Bluff is a beautiful location. The road to the entrance takes you between two sections of the bluff. What's amazing is how large it is. From a distance it seems small, but the closer you get the larger the bluff becomes. The bluff is composed of sandstone and siltstone and, as I mention in the video, is (grain by grain) slowly being dismantled by the forces of wind and water. The bluff is inhabited by rattlesnakes, mule deer, and black-tailed prairie dogs, in addition to rabbits, mice, badgers, and coyotes. The prairie grasses surrounding the bluff were perfect for early settlers, know as "soddies," to build sod homes as the grass sod has a dense root system.

Cars are permitted to take the 1.6 mile road to the summit. Trailers and RVs are, however, prohibited. There is also a Summit Shuttle that takes people to and from the top of the bluff. There are lots of trails and overlooks, a museum and visitor center, and a very friendly staff.

Chimney Rock, on the other hand, was disappointing. Beside charging a fee to see the museum (and to use the restrooms), there were fences surrounding the parking area and museum. We were so far from the monument that a zoom lens was needed to get a good picture. There were also signs posted everywhere to beware of rattlesnakes. A lady we met in the parking lot said she visited last year and there was no charge. We were fortunate to learn of the dirt road that takes you closer to the monument and to a cemetery of those who died while on the trail.

The cemetery brought everything into perspective as we saw people who died trying to get to, but never realizing, their dreams. Some graves were for small children. How sad it must have been to lose a child pursuing a dream of a better life.

In part 2 we will visit Register Rock, the Guernsey Ruts, and a quick look at Fort Laramie.

Equipment:
iPhone 10
A 15 year old Olympus VG-140 Camera
Bcway Phone All-in-One Travel Tripod with Remote
Trekking Poles, Insulated Bottles, and Backpack are Ozark Trail
Hiking hat is a Tilley

Music:
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms by Zachariah Hickman
Terrier Waltz by Nat Keefe with The Bow Ties

We travel in a 2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE front-wheel drive with over 101,000 miles. We are still praying for a small Scamp or an Aliner to tow behind it.

Recorded on location June 29, 2021 at Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff NE.