A car is essential for getting around Scottsbluff and the surrounding area. The national monument is 5 km southwest of the town centre and easily reached by road; driving to the summit takes about ten minutes from the visitor centre. Gering, the county seat, is just across the North Platte River and is walkable from the bridge.
Within the town of Scottsbluff, the downtown core around Broadway is compact enough to cover on foot. Bike rentals are occasionally available in summer, but there are no dedicated cycle paths connecting the main attractions. The Riverside Discovery Center on the river is a 15-minute walk from downtown along the riverbank path.